Up the Creek Without a Paddle

This devotion was written by a good friend of mine. She also took the photo. I invite you to submit your own devotion, with or without photo. In the meantime, enjoy Hazel's devotion. -- Jeff Nichols

During a recent family reunion, we visited an old wooden covered bridge near where my mother grew up in Georgia. While there, a sudden summer storm brought heavy rain. We waited it out in the bridge. This photo was taken through a window opening while the rain was pouring down, giving a misty, mystic quality to the scene. Our lives are sometimes like that. We may feel like we're "up the creek without a paddle" when circumstances of life overwhelm us. We may not be able to see clearly for the fog and rain of illness or emotional pain. Yet the unseen current of God's grace carries us along, around and over obstacles such as loss or failure. Just as the creek inevitably reaches its destination and merges with greater waters of the river, so will we reach our destiny of eternal life if we trust in God. If we cling to His promises, He will not allow the waters to overcome us or the storms destroy our boat. It is His care and provision that guide us safely to shore.

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. When you cross rivers, you will not drown." (Isaiah 43:2a)

Prayer: God, help us to keep our eyes on you when rivers of trouble overwhelm us. Let us not be overcome, but let us be overcomers through your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

--Hazel King