Journey Back to Joy... Day 2 Handle with Prayer

Isn’t that just like life?!  You finally get enough resolve and guts to take that risk and begin a journey towards something and then crash!!!! The first wave of conflict or that unexpected and unforeseen force of adversity and opposition hits and you wake up and find yourself far out to sea , miles off course from the journey you began and wondering if it is still worth it to keep going or whether you should turn back.  But, then something occurs to you.  Your little ship is still afloat.  It didn’t go down in the storm and that in itself is a miracle.  Someone or something kept you from drowning and gave you just enough strength to see the light of the next day.  But, now what?  It seems you are farther away than when you first began and not only that, but you have no idea where you are or how to get back on course.  So, you drift for awhile just enjoying the sunshine on your face and the rest and peace that comes from surrendering to your helplessness in your present circumstances.  Perhaps the wind will carry you back to some point of a recognizable landmark.  Perhaps stopping to refuel, regroup, and gather some more resources will recharge your sense of purpose and inspire you enough to try again…..like a map or a compass?!  And that brings you to the realization that you forgot the most important second step in this journey towards hope.  Handle with prayer.  If only you could just align yourself and your sails in the direction of the wind.  The wind would be more than enough power to push you forward and even make-up for the time that seems to be lost.  Now, if only you had enough patience to readjust those sails and wait for the right direction of the wind. 

Expect obstacles.  Holding back the forces of opposition is like trying to hold back the tide.  There is only One who can calm the storm, part the Red Sea, and get you to shore again...Jesus Christ.  His spirit, the Holy Spirit, is the wind that blows towards your destiny with Hope, but until you take the time to commune with him and allow His power and resources to fight through the waves and conquer the obstacles, you will keep drifting.  How did I do on this first leg of my journey?  The first step brought the first wave of fear, doubt, temptation, obstacles and opposition.  But, six days of drifting blew me back to shore so that I could refuel with His word, re-align my sails to His spirit, and prayerfully prepare for battle against the next round of waves.  This time I’m taking my surf board.  I might as well have fun on the ride.  In the words of my windy day childhood lake cabin memory… “Ride, ride, ride, the wild surf!”