backwards

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Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people! Matthew 4:19 NLT

Finally, we came to the realization that our alternatives were limited. Belinda and I did what we had to do. We quit complaining. We stopped fighting each other. 

Belinda started paddling again, and I paddled opposite her changing sides when she changed. We improved enough to steer in the general direction. Eventually, we began to catch up with the others. We wouldn’t win a prize for our tactics, but with two strong wills, we found a way to make it work.

I must admit that I was pretty proud when we caught that last wave and coasted onto the beach. The guide grabbed the front of our kayak to steady it so we could get out. Then he peered at us with an astonished look on his face and exclaimed, In all my years I’ve never seen that before! You traveled the whole trip going backwards! How did you do that?

No wonder it was so hard! Evidently, we were supposed to get in the kayak facing the shore. We didn’t know that. Ideally when you push off backwards the first thing you do is turn toward the waves. We got into the kayak facing the waves and launched into them. I guess we should have listened to our guide more closely! Suddenly, the struggle for the last hour and one half made a lot more sense. The entire boat is engineered to work facing the other way!

Have you experienced the feeling that life seems harder than it should be. Maybe you missed the details or someone else in your world isn’t cooperating. It isn’t unusual that what appears to be a rather simple and fun exercise instead turns into an unexpected ordeal.

What if you are functioning backwards? What if you think you are supposed to be leading in life and in reality you were designed to follow?

It’s normal to live your life believing you were born to be in control. Isn’t life all about you? It is about having what you want and the freedom to do as you please—that’s what brings happiness. Right?

The problem is that it doesn’t work so well in everyday life. Before long you find yourself arguing, complaining and competing with others who believe the same thing—that it is all about them. And after you’ve both tried harder AND threatened to quit, you eventually come to the place where you are dead in the water.

I’m not the fastest or brightest student of life or kayaking, but I’ve come to an astonishing discovery: I am made for more and you are too! There is a better way! Life is better when you turn around and go the direction the Guide advises. You slice through the water. Steering is easier. Your efforts are more productive. You get along with others better. You can enjoy the journey.

In this book, backward: Created to Live SENTwe discover the benefit of living life, not for selfish purposes, but as God designed. It is a life that is filled with on-purpose living. This brings great adventure and amazing satisfaction. Let’s listen to the Guide and get started.

Gary Kendall                  
www.livingsent.net/devotionals
Week 1, backwards, Day 3, Devo 3