Dangerous Rapids Ahead

John 16:33

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A few years ago, I went whitewater rafting. I was so excited for the trip. I was looking forward to the adventure. The thrill of it. We had gotten all of our gear. We got our life jackets, our instructions. We loaded up into the boats and launched into the river. The first thing that we did, we went underneath a bridge. And on the side of that bridge was a gigantic sign that said Warning Dangerous Rapids Ahead. I was excited until I read that sign. And then what was inside of me was mainly apprehension and fear. I knew that there were going to be rapids, but I was so focused on the excitement that I ignored the fact that we were doing something that was actually dangerous.

Then I looked over at the guide who was there in the boat with us, a person who had probably done this trip hundreds of times, a person who knew exactly what was coming, who knew how to safely navigate every single rapid that we were about to face. There was no fear or apprehension on his face at all, and he did exactly what we had hoped that he was going to do. He led us safely through those rapids, down to our finish line. And when we think about our future in our life, we like to be optimistic. We like to think about our opportunities, about all the hopes and dreams that we have. But if you can see a map of your future, that sign would be hanging above your future as well. We know that there are dangerous rapids ahead. There are things that are difficult. There are hardships and tragedies that we will have to face.

In fact, Jesus promises us this. In John chapter 16, verse 33, He says,

In this world you are going to have trouble. (John 16:33)

Maybe as you think about your future there is apprehension and fear about the things that are coming your way. Maybe as you think about your financial situation. Maybe you have apprehension or fear about your health. Maybe the health of someone that you love. Maybe your apprehension and fears about what the future holds for your children or for your parents. We can’t predict the future, but we do know that there are dangerous rapids ahead. That in whatever the Lord throws at us, that there are going to be difficulties, are going to be dangerous rapids, difficult things that we have to face and navigate through.

Now, thankfully, that quote from Jesus is only half the verse. He doesn’t tell us that there are going to be difficulties in our life in order to make us fearful or apprehensive. What Jesus is doing here is he’s giving us comfort. He says,

In this world you are going to have trouble. But be courageous! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

It’s our Savior and our God. When we look to Jesus, there is no fear. There is no apprehension when it comes to the future. He knows exactly what is coming for this world and for us. And he encourages you to let go of your worry, to put your trust in him. Jesus knows the difficulties that lay ahead specifically for you, and He has already decided how he is going to use those difficult times, those tragedies in your life, for your good. He knows how he’ll use these things to increase your faith in him. To prove his faithfulness to you once again, as he helps you navigate through those tough times in your life.

Jesus knows that he will use these individual experiences, your unique gifts and talents to serve the people that He has put into your life. He’s going to use these things that you can glorify your father in heaven. Now that same confidence about our future, we can live with that confidence as well. But our confidence for the future doesn’t come from us trying to look through and see what’s to come. Our confidence for the future comes from looking into the past. Looking at what Jesus has already done in our place. By living perfectly for us, by suffering and dying on the cross for us, Jesus has defeated our enemies. He has overcome sin, death, and the power of the devil. And he has done it for us. Through faith he has made us his own dear children. He has opened up for us the gates of eternal life.

Now, as we live in this world, Jesus never promises that life will be easy for his children. And in fact, here again, he tells us the exact opposite. But by his life, death and resurrection, he gives us the comfort that he has overcome the world. And he has done it for you. And no matter what difficulty we may face, no matter what tragedy might befall us, no matter what dangers rapids are ahead for us. He gives us this confident promise that he will guide us through those difficult things to the safety of heaven. Amen.

We pray. Lord, we know that you see and understand our hardships, our struggles and our sadness. We asked you to walk with us, that you would comfort us with your promises, that you would give us confidence through Jesus’s victory over our sin and assure us that no matter what happens, as long as we are in you through faith, we are safe. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen.

God’s peace be with you.