“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with
my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)
This was a Bible verse I read while on a wilderness trails and canoe camp for Native youth many years ago. I remember it so clearly
because I was one of the leaders, so I knew ahead of time that we were going to do some white-water canoeing. I was familiar with riding in a canoe on a lake, but on fast moving water? . . . fear started to creep into my mind.
When the time came to get in our canoes, everyone picked their partners to ride with. I was hoping to be with one of the experienced
leaders. Except, that didn’t happen. Even though the rushing river was so loud, I could feel my heart thumping louder! The Lord brought to my mind what I had just read in Isaiah: “Don’t be afraid.”
I was paired with a young man just as inexperienced as me, but we had been taught basic paddle strokes to use in rushing water. I was to be in the front of the canoe, and he was in the back, with more responsibility to steer the canoe. However, we both had to work together and do our own part.
Before we started out, I still wasn’t sure when I needed to do the different strokes, so I told him to tell me when to do a certain stroke,
and I would do it. We did this, and we were the only canoe that didn’t tip over (besides the leaders)! It was so much fun!
There have been many times in my life that I have been afraid, but I am reassured of God’s presence and His willingness to strengthen,
help, and hold me up when I get afraid.
— Myrna Kopf
Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada.
The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website.
Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org