Safe in the Wake

A final ride. My daughter and I climbed onto the tube and my husband quickly got the boat up to speed. It was late in the afternoon and we were enjoying a nice, relaxing ride before heading back to the marina. I was amazed at how smooth the water was as long as we stayed within the boat's wake. Sure there were some small swells created by other boat traffic that caused us to bounce, but for the most part, we were shielded from the turbulent water just outside the wake. Water that churned with rolling waves that could have sent us airborne.

I couldn't miss the simple lesson God was showing me. The tube was tethered to the boat with a long rope, yet we were able to choose the direction the tube followed. Similarly, as a Christian, I belong to Christ, and am connected to Him: "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing," (John 15:5; KJV). Yet He created me with free will and allows me to choose the direction I take.

Sometimes I purposely steer myself outside the wake of God's shelter. I'm determined to do things my way. Anyone else? I convince myself that God's path is a bit too restrictive and my way is so logical. I get outside God's protective wake and feel the onslaught of the waves. I'm tossed around and slammed up and down. Circumstances threaten to overwhelm me, and then I realize I'm still tethered to the Lord. All I need to do is steer back into the wake. Choose His path once again. Experience His peace and protection.

I know there will be difficulties along life's journey even when I stay close to Christ. But, when I pick a path that follows my Master, I stay under the umbrella of His protection. Circumstances may be tough, but I can be assured that He will see me through, "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee," (Isaiah 43:2). I may experience rough situations, but nothing like the storms that threaten outside God's path.

*Are you tethered to God's lifeboat? Will you choose to stay within the wake of God's protection today?

*You can be sure you're tethered to God's lifeboat!
Admit that you're a sinner. "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)
Acknowledge that you owe a debt. "The wages of sin is death..." (Romans 6:23a)
Admit that only Jesus can pay your debt. "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)
Acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." (Romans 10:9)
Ask God for forgiveness and salvation. "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13) "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:10)

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your saving power. I'm so thankful for the protection that you offer me. Forgive me when I wander outside Your 'wake.' Help me to choose Your path so I can experience Your safety and peace. In Jesus' name, Amen.