BEAUTY TIP #31 – “Could be Trouble”
Posted: December 11, 2010
On of our favorite activities is whitewater rafting on the Flathead River, Montana, in June when the water level is high from the snow run off. After slipping on our wet suits and unsightly water shoes, we all grin at each other as we sit and wait for the guides to finish giving us our instructions. “Beware”, they say, “of a sucking, swirling mass of water that churns like a rotary beater. Especially be aware of the eddy called Could be Trouble.”
As we start out, I make sure my feet are tucked tightly under the ropes as we all begin to paddle furiously to guide the raft through the boiling water and away from the swirling eddies. Then I see it and my heart starts to palpitate. Black, angry water that is swirling, boiling and the roar is deafening. I know we have encountered the most dangerous of all eddies, Could be Trouble.
Trouble is found everywhere; not just in whitewater rafting. The bible tells us this is a fact, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). Will have trouble! Not maybe, or IF you’re young or old, OR if you’re good or bad. We will all encounter trouble at some time in our life. Trouble comes in two categories:
1. Trouble that you and I create through bad choices or:
2. Trouble as part of life.
Nonetheless, trouble is trouble and how do we deal with it?
When I encountered those treacherous eddies in Montana, I had to be prepared. I needed to be outfitted with a wet suit, shoes, ropes, and be mentally prepared by listening to instructions that the guide drilled into us. How does this help me in the trouble that I come across in my life?
- Hang on and pray. When I encountered that treacherous eddie, all I did at that point was pray, “Oh God, Oh God…help me!” …and I hung on for dear life. When life hits us with a riptide of pain and emotions, sometimes all we can do is get through the day and pray, “Oh God…help!”
- Do not be afraid to cry and release your emotions.
- Surround yourself with friends who will cover your back with prayer, meals, words of encouragement and hope.
- Allow yourself to express your anger and disappointment.
- Understand there are a series of eddies, or seasons. We WILL pass through them eventually.
- Stand firm in your belief and trust that God will walk with you through this trouble. God tells us that “he will never leave us or forsake us”.
- Intentionally pursue peace by constant prayer.
- Understand that trouble will eventually make us stronger and more beautiful form the inside out.
- Do not let your heart grow bitter.
I have gone down the Flathead River many times, and each time the eddies seem smaller and less dangerous. I have also encountered a lot of “trouble” in my life, and it is God’s words of hope and truth that bring calm and peace back into my life.
“I want you to trust me in your times of trouble, so I can rescue you and you can give me glory” (Psalm 40:15 TLB).
Yes, there will be trouble…but hang on dear one, you WILL get through it.
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Oh Heidi. How fun!
I’ve always wanted to go whitewater rafting. Everyone thinks I’m crazy, because that is just asking for trouble. I don’t intentionally go looking for trouble. Not intentionally. But still, trouble always seems to find me. I’m lear.ning to pursue peace – in the midst of trouble. Thanks for this great reminder!
Love, d.
Hedi,
Your post once again has encouraged me! I am going through a long season of “trouble”. Thank you for reminding me that it will end eventually and that God never leaves me!
Wow…this is brilliant writing. All of those suggestions are winners although I think ‘Do not let your heart grow bitter” is the key. If you don’t grow bitter, it’s a little easier to keep the flicker of hope alive in the darkest trials.