The current is strong.
The river is wide.
But there is an island.
The waters rush by
It seems I’ll never get to the other side
But the Rock is there.
I launch out
My raft small and rickety
Hoping to get across.
I paddle and work
I struggle and heave
Keep trying to point the stern.
At times the pressure is too much
I relent just for a second
But that’s all it takes.
My raft is thrust leftward
I’m afraid I’ll be swept away
I resume the struggle…again.
I push and I pull
At times I lean back to brace myself
I pursue the Objective wholeheartedly.
Slowly, steadily
Though the setbacks are frequent
The distance from shore increases.
The island gets nearer
Yet still seems so far
Will I ever get there?
I grunt.
Sweat pours off my brow
The heat is unbearable at times.
The struggle continues
Seemingly forever
I want to let go and give up.
Let the current take me
wherever it will
It seems so much easier than struggling.
But if I give in
Where will I go?
The easier path may lead to death.
And so I continue
Eyes fixed on the Goal
Relying solely on Him to get me through.
And finally
What seems like an eternity later
I arrive. I made it. I’m safe on the land!
Praise be to God!
Hallelujah, oh Savior!
You rescued me and carried me through!
Yes, I’m still only on a little island
The river all around me is still strong
But I’m safely protected, standing Aground.
Oh the Peace!
Oh the Joy! What a blessing indeed!
The struggle is all worth it someday!
Life is just like the river
Rushing on by,
Strong currents trying to pull in many directions.
I feel like the boatman
Struggling and heaving
But eyes fixed on the Goal ahead.
By His power I make it
Though Him I can reach
That place of tranquility and peace.
Then I remember I’m just on Island
The river on the other side is broader still.
There is still a long way to go to reach Home.
So I’ll look back and say
Look how far I come!
There is hope I can make it still further!
Thanks be to God!
© 2010 Lukas Westevy