ROW YOUR BOAT

Remember the little ditty we sang as kids? "Row, row, row your boat, gently down the stream; Merrily, merrily merrily, merrily, life is but a dream."

And remember when Christ's disciples were rowing their boat one dark, stormy night and encountered a tumult so fierce they could no longer make it on their own? OK, they were probably on a ship with its sails hoisted. The wind was so tempestuous, that it ripped the sails to shreds. The disciples frantically tried to get things under control. That's when they saw Christ walking on the water. And I'm sure they were under no delusions about THAT being a dream as the little song above declares! No, Siree! The superstitious guys were terrified, thinking they were seeing a ghost!

Now Christ had been up in a mountain, alone and praying when this incident occurred. But He was also watching His disciples as they toiled unsuccessfully on the roiling sea. That's when He came to their rescue, walking on the raging waters.

Peter failed in his miserable attempt to emulate the Master and walk on the water, too. Hey, let's give the impetuous guy credit for at least TRYING -- that's more than the others did! And Jesus was right there to rescue Peter from his plight, too!

We really shouldn't criticize any of the men, for we often find ourselves in similar predicaments today as we strive and toil on our own to solve our problems instead of praying for Divine direction and guidance. But God, in His infinite compassion, watches us in our fruitless toiling, and in unfathomable mercy comes to our rescue time and time again.

So when trouble strikes as it is bound to do in this New Year, let's calm our hearts by looking to the One Who never fails as He whispers to our troubled spirits, "Be of good cheer; it is I, be not afraid" (Matthew 14:27).

So row, row, row your boat, merrily on your way!

Preacher's Kid