Have you ever watched the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race on the Thames and wondered why the two crews (the same two Universities every year!) are always so close to each other when the river is at times over 200 metres wide? In fact, the race is rowed in the tidal section of the river and in the upstream direction when the tide is incoming and the river is flowing fastest. The fastest moving water is where the river is deepest (usually near the centre) and the difference between being in the fastest flowing water and the slow-moving water can result in a time difference of nearly three minutes over the 17 minute race. The optimum racing line is only about 10-20 metres wide, the width of 2 rowing crews touching each other, so it is important to fight to keep to the best line. I know this because I have steered the same course in the other direction (there are many such races during the year, usually in the opposite direction), but without the experience and knowledge it is likely that my "racing line" was out by at least 10 to 20 seconds (maybe more) giving our crew a distinct disadvantage, and meaning we would end up with a slower time than many a weaker crew. After all, without the reference books or the internet it was not easy to learn the exact line and the deepest water point isn't painted on the water like a motorway lane marking.
We can live our lives surfing on the tide of the Spirit, or we can struggle in the shallow water pulling harder and getting more tired as we try to keep our pace using the power of our own inferior strength. Which one describes your journey today? Perhaps you need to adjust your rudder a little to steer yourself back on the right path?
I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. Ephesians 3:16-17 [NRSV]
Lord, make this my prayer today. Amen
Dave MacLellan
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