Nevertheless, the men rowed hard to bring the ship to land, but they could not, for the sea became more and more violent against them.

~Jonah 1:13 AMP

It was whitewater, signifying rapids, and I was fighting against the current. Could I make it through safely?

My eyes focused on the boat ramp and my car just a short distance away. The problem? I was paddling for all I was worth because my kayak pointed upstream. Fatigue swept over me as the current forced my kayak sideways and dumped me into the cold river.

Too often I find myself nearing a destination only to be knocked off target. Wet and cold, I fought my way to the ramp.

Missing the mark is a great way to define sin. The men in the scripture verse were about to be dumped into the raging sea. They tried making it to land, but the storm prevented them. God showed them the reason for the troubled waters. Jonah, their passenger who was rebelling against God, created the problem.

God directed Jonah to preach repentance to the inhabitants of Nineveh for missing God’s mark. Jonah confessed his sin to the men in the boat and begged them to toss him overboard to calm the sea. The sailors prayed to Jonah’s God and saw first-hand that His power was stronger than the sea currents.

For it is God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure.

~Philippians 2:13 AMP

Recall a time when sin stopped you from reaching your goal. With God’s help, what steps can you take to overcome this?

Lord God, give me strength when fighting against the current that pulls me away from hitting Your mark. Keep me pointed in the right direction so I can reach the destination You have for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.