“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord…” (Psalm 37:23)
“You won’t have any problems,” he said, “but just in case, this is what you need to do.”
I am so thankful I paid attention to the words that followed.
It was the last day of our family vacation. Excited for one final adventure, we climbed aboard a pontoon boat and headed into the inlet waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The day was warm, the water was a little choppy, and our hearts were set on fishing.
As we left the dock, the boat owner gave us simple instructions: stay between the green and red triangle markers. It seemed easy enough. I helped my husband navigate through the no-wake zone, reminding him of the owner’s directions. Before long, we were cruising through the channel and looking forward to a relaxing day on the water.
Then it happened.
Without warning, the boat slowed to a crawl, and the motor began making terrible noises. Somehow, despite our efforts to stay within the designated channel, we had drifted off course. The motor was stuck in the sand, and we found ourselves stranded in ankle-deep water.
My husband instructed everyone to get out of the boat, and together we began pushing. We strained and struggled, but the boat barely moved. The children squealed about crabs darting through the water, panic began to set in, and what had started as a pleasant outing quickly became a frustrating ordeal. Nearby boaters continued fishing and relaxing, seemingly unaware—or unconcerned—about our predicament.
Eventually, after much effort, we managed to free the boat and return to deeper water. Relieved and a little embarrassed, we continued on our way.
Over the years, I have often reflected on that experience because it reminds me of the Christian life.
Sometimes, even when we are sincerely trying to follow God’s direction, we can drift off course before we realize what has happened. A small distraction, a moment of carelessness, or a subtle compromise can leave us stranded in places we never intended to be.
The Bible tells us that the steps of a righteous person are ordered by the Lord, yet we must continually depend on Him for guidance. Our own wisdom and strength are never enough to keep us safely within the boundaries He has established.
One lesson became very clear that day: it is much easier to get stuck than it is to get unstuck.
The same is true spiritually. Whether we wander intentionally or accidentally, sin has a way of trapping us. What seemed like a small step away from God’s will can leave us struggling to regain our footing. Thankfully, God never intended for us to fight those battles alone.
The body of Christ exists for a reason. We need one another. We need godly friends who will encourage us, pray for us, correct us when necessary, and help us find our way back when we begin to drift.
As I think back to the other boaters who watched us struggle without offering assistance, I am reminded of how easy it can be to overlook those around us who are hurting. Every day we encounter people who are trapped in fear, hopelessness, addiction, loneliness, or sin. Some are crying out for help, while others suffer silently.
Paul wrote, “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost” (2 Corinthians 4:3). Lost souls surround us every day. May we never become so comfortable in our own spiritual journey that we fail to notice someone who is sinking beneath the weight of life’s burdens.
Most of all, I am grateful that I listened carefully when the boat owner explained what to do if we got stuck. His instructions became valuable when trouble came.
God has also given us instructions for life’s unexpected moments. His Word is our guide, our compass, and our source of wisdom. When we find ourselves trapped, discouraged, or off course, the Bible points us back to safety.
No one is immune to drifting. The possibility exists for all of us. That is why we must stay close to the Lord, remain connected to His people, and keep our eyes fixed on His direction.
Stay in the Word. Stay connected to the church. Stay sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
And if you happen to see a brother or sister stranded on a spiritual sandbar, don’t just sail by. Offer a helping hand.
One day, you may need the same.
