by Myrna (Patenaude) Kopf
“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
This was a Bible verse I read while on a wilderness trails and canoe camp for Native youth 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 whitewater 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. 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.
Before marrying her husband, Joel, Myrna served on staff at NCEM’s Key-Way-Tin Bible Institute and with a Christian publishing ministry.
This article is reprinted from “Council Fire.” Myrna is an NCEM associate missionary, and is among the 60-or-so Indigenous writers who have contributed to these daily devotional books published by Indian Life Ministries. Copies are available for purchase at www.indianlife.org
(from Northern Lights issue #567)