A Riverboat Lesson

By: Randal Myers

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As the author of Life on the Mississippi, Mark Twain tells of his education as a riverboat pilot. In the course of the story is recorded some advice that is worth remembering. Twain was an apprentice under an older riverboat captain and after deliberately letting him make a mistake on the dark water, he said, "My boy, you've got to know the shape of the river perfectly. It is all there is left to steer by on a very dark night.... How do you follow a hall at home in the dark? Because you know the shape of it."

I think there might be something to that advice. The better you know the path, the better the odds that you will stay on course in almost any situation.

God has not promised us smooth sailing in our life adventure...in fact quite the opposite. John 16:33 says, In this world you will have trouble. That should remove all doubt. He never promised the pathway to the Father was without dangers or peril but he did promise that the journey would be worth it if we stay on course.

"The better you know the path, the better the odds you will stay on course..."

And now for some good news. He didn't leave us here to wander about hoping to stumble across the correct path. There are at least two ways to know if we're following the Way.

Follow Jesus...he went first. Even when walking in uncertain terrain we can have confidence if we are following someone who's been that way before. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart (Hebrews 12:1-3).
Follow the directions. God has left a perfectly good roadmap for us in scripture. I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight (Psalm 119:32, 35).

"My boy, you've got to know the shape of the river perfectly. It is all there is left to steer by on a very dark night." For us we must know the Savior and his Word. It's all there is to steer by on a very dark night...and there will be some very dark nights.

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