The Way of Formation - Part 2 - Andy Southmayd - LWRV

This Sunday, Andy shared a story about kayaking out of the Chetco River in Brookings. The ocean report looked perfect. The swells were calm, the wind was light, and the water was glassy. The paddle out to sea was smooth and easy. It felt like one of those days where everything just works. But when it was time to head back in, he hit something he wasn’t expecting. Right at the bar, where the river and ocean meet, it felt like running into a wall. The surface still looked calm, but heavy rains upstream had strengthened the current beneath. No matter how hard he pedaled or paddled, he wasn’t moving. Eventually, he had to hug the jetty and literally pull himself along the rocks just to make progress.Andy shared that story because it feels familiar. Many of us start following Jesus with joy and energy. Things feel alive. But at some point, we run into currents we didn’t see coming. We experience pain, disappointment, pressure, suffering. And suddenly, it’s not smooth sailing anymore. What he reminded us is that we’re always being formed. The question isn’t whether currents exists. Because we know they do. The question is what’s shaping us. Will we be carried along by the tides and currents of culture and circumstances, or will we intentionally step into the slow, steady formation of Jesus?