Drowning in the Nile River

 

I hoped I’d never fall out of the raft, but as soon as we left the shore, our guide, Olow, told me to get in the water. I looked at him like he was crazy, but he was serious. He wanted to show us how to get back in the boat when we flipped. It turns out knowing how to get back in the boat is more important than never falling out. Life with Jesus is a little like that too.

 

It was silly of me to think staying in the boat would be a good adventure.

 

The first time we flipped, I was pretty sure I was drowning. Every time I gasped for air, a wave would hit me, or I’d get water in my mouth. I probably drank a lot of the Nile that day. Thank you Jesus for life jackets.

 

Back at training camp in July, we sang a song that says, “Take me out into the middle of the river. Wanna drown in the good ol’ river of Your love.” 

 

It seemed all too real at the time, but it got me thinking. What would it be like to drown in God’s love?

 

That would be the best kind of drowning.

 

I thought of myself falling in, flailing, doggy paddling, and getting tossed by the waves. I thought of how I gasped for air and got water instead.

 

I struggled and gasped for air. I got scared when I felt tossed by the waves.

 

What if God’s love overpowered and consumed me? I want that.

 

What if God’s love filled my lungs, so I could breath out His love too?

 

After a few mouthfuls of water, I heard my Dad’s words in my head. Just relax, and you’ll float. You use up more air when you panic. You have more air than you think. Don’t wear yourself out. You can’t fight the water.

 

I think all of those things are true about God’s love too. When I think I’m drowning, do I trust Him enough to relax? Can I relax and float instead of fighting the waves?

 

Saying yes to God isn’t always easy, but it doesn’t have to be hard.

 

I want to have enough faith to say YES to God even when I don’t know where the river of His love might carry me.

 

Love and miss you all!

 

 Amanda