Many years ago I was part of a canoe trip on Lake George. Lake George is 30 plus miles long. A large wind had kicked up and a storm had blown over the westerly side of the lake. The waves were easily 3 feet high and feeling like they were climbing. I was not worried abut drowning or getting injured, but I was worried about what would happen if the canoes capsized with the food in them, as well as our clothes and such. The wind increased and the waters whitened on the crest of the waves. Out of the fog and the mist appeared one of the Lake George steam ships. As it cut across in front of us, the wake got higher and higher. I could see the waves headed towards our 7 canoes. Above the roar of the waves and wind the counselors were screaming, “hit it at a 45 degree angle!!!” Everyone began to adjust their canoes. As canoes disappeared in the troughs of the waves, my thought was the food!

We came out the other side, the wake wash went past and we paddled the next 4-5 miles with wind, waves and fog.

Too often we are told that the way through something is straight through it. But it is just as much the angle of the approach that gets us to where we are going.

We are in the midst of difficult times on so many levels. Our current approach has the ability to capsize the vessel we have been entrusted with. I feel like the Lord is saying today to evaluate afresh. What is not working? Be honest! Do not continue to do something just because you can or it worked before… Today, listen to the voice above the roar of the world’s cry.

I love canoes. (And frankly would love to own one again.) I love open waters and tiny streams. But the requirements are different. I have faced rapids and rocks as well as waves and winds. I got to the point where I could canoe with my eyes closed because I could “hear” the water. There is a sound to the water. A voice from within so to speak.

One day when I was young child my family was camping on an island. My mom and 4 children.I was perhaps 13 to 14 and the oldest. My mom was to call my father at a certain time. So, the decision was made to get in the boat and head to the landing where there was a pay phone. We got in the boat and my mom asked me to drive. As we took off we were having difficulty steering and there as a tremendous noise. I shut the boat down and went to the back of the boat. Looking over the transom I realized that the anchor had fallen over and fouled the motor. It took we some time to rectify the situation. We had drifted quite a ways. But then a storm was coming over the mountains. And it began to rain and then hail. Lightning and thunder filled the air over our heads. We were in a storm. I had to think over the screams of my brothers and sister. I picked a new direction. Soon I saw the outline of the short and began to slowly follow it. We got there. The new tact “saved” us.

God truly is saying to the church that many of the ways we have held dear are “not working”. It is time for us not to doubt our salvation or suspect God is withholding, but begin to do as the scripture declare. I am reminded of an 8 year old king, Josiah and his return to the scriptures.

2 Kings 22:8-11 Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the scribe, I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the Lord! Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it. And Shaphan the scribe came to the king and reported to him: Your servants have gathered the money that was found in the house and have delivered it into the hands of the workmen who have oversight of the house of the Lord. Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, Hilkiah the priest has given me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king. And when the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he rent his clothes.

This return lead to a great revival. I hear the Lord saying to turn back to the word in this hour. Not just to use or wield it, but hold it and see it gain life!

There is always the tendency in a canoe to see it “tip” or move. But th lower one is in the canoe, the lower the center of gravity, the easier it is to control and to guide.

Today-

• Ask the Lord for His wisdom.
• Perhaps the result is a new tact.
• Remove the hindrances.
• Return to the word.
• Allow His life to flow.

We are in the midst of some of the most exciting times ever. Do not allow fear or distractions to impede your destiny. Listen for the voice of the Lord above the storms of the world.

And watch the outpouring!