One of my favorite things we did while living in Indonesia was to go for an ocean ride on a homemade catamaran. During a break from language school, we were enjoying a walk along the beach when a fisherman asked if we would like a ride along the coast. The area had been a big tourist destination but was still recovering from a hurricane a few years before and people were working hard to find ways to make a living. We said yes, eager for an adventure on this boat made from tree trunks strapped together with stabilizers strapped on both sides. I wasted the first few minutes white-knuckle gripping the side of the boat, waiting to be tipped into the warm water of the Indian Ocean. Then my reason finally kicked in and I looked at our pilot, calmly and confidently steering his boat to bring us alongside the breaking waves instead of meeting them head on. I watched the boat and just how stable it was, barely moving from side to side. I thought about our pilot’s experience, probably riding on boats like this since childhood, and I finally let go of the side. I thoroughly enjoyed the rest of the ride along a fascinating shoreline, full of caves and birds, on a beautiful morning. I could have ruined this adventure for my husband and me by being fearful and stressed out – instead I decided to trust in our guide, accepting that even though I have no idea how to pilot a boat, he does. How much time and energy do I waste being fearful of God’s plan for my life instead of trusting Him and enjoying the ride?

Isaiah 26:3-4 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.