If One Path is Impossible, Try the Next

 I learned something I didn’t know while kayaking yesterday. I decided to see how my inflatable kayak would perform going upstream against the current in a section of the river I have not tried before. While people who knew the river had told me there were rapids, they reported they were not as fast as the rapids on the section of the river I had already traversed. They felt I could go upstream against the rapids in this new section.

The reports were correct. That section of the river was not as fast as the lower section I’d already explored. However, the first significant rapids I came to almost did me in. I tried to paddle over what looked like the slowest segment of the rapids and failed. I almost gave up, not ten minutes into my journey!

Instead of giving up, I traveled parallel to the rapids searching for another wide enough break in the rocks with water that was not too raging to tackle. Surprisingly, a perfect break presented itself and I was able to paddle over the froth and managed (with difficulty) to move forward beyond the churning water. However, a second set of whitewater bubbled in front of me now. I was so tired, that I let the swirling water carry me, again figuring I’d just give up. I was befuddled when I moved right in front of a trough of water in front of a large rock to discover my kayak was sucked upstream. The back wash of the wave crashing over the rocks now pulled me towards the rapids. With a quick few paddles, I sailed upstream across the rapids! Yay me!

In this manner, I was able to make my way slowly upstream. I began to learn that if one path against the rapids was too difficult, another path just a few feet away was navigable. Eventually, I even began discerning the most likely pathways. I kayaked upstream for an hour. It was difficult and I did have to wedge myself between rocks to rest at times. However, I was elated! My light and fun inflatable kayak was safe and able to perform the task I had almost decided would be impossible.

I learned an important lesson. When one venture in life seems impossible, perhaps there is another route to the goal that will work. So often, when we hit obstacles, we give up. Maybe, if we had just considered other paths to the same destination, we would have been successful.

I am not sure WHY God was telling me this, but I am sure He WAS.
**********
Galatians 6:9
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.