Glacier-fed, aqua-blue water, hot sun, fresh air and majestic mountain views. That's what surrounded me recently as I paddled down the Flathead River in Glacier National Park, Montana, USA. On a beautiful, hot summer's day, my daughters and I were privileged to share a raft with several other campers from R.A.I.N. Ministries Revival in the Rockies summer family Bible camp. What a blessing and a blast!

The scene couldn't have been more perfect as we were expertly guided down the river and through the rapids by our guide from Glacier Guides and Montana Raft company. Our guide, Jeff, kept reminding our crew to listen and follow his lead, particularly when we got to the whitewater rapids on the river that day. Between the rapids, we floated serenely down the river, stopping for a swim at deep water holes where it was calm. In the calm spots, he guided us through a series of practice commands and strokes as he trained us to navigate the more difficult spots in the river that lay ahead.

As the whitewater approached, we all listened and did what was required, safely navigating the rapids. I'm happy to say that due to low-water this year, the ride was an exhilarating but enjoyable one, rather than terrifying! Nevertheless, it was following our guide's commands that kept us all in the boat and in one piece.

The training by our whitewater-rafting guide got me thinking about the guidance that the Holy Spirit offers to the believer. As we were guided down that beautiful river, I thought of numerous times when, faced with a decision, I would pray, listen and trust the leadership of the Holy Spirit to help me make the right choice.

In John 10:27, the Gospel writer quotes Jesus as having said, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." Likening Himself to a Good Shepherd and the believer to a sheep, Jesus promised that the believer would hear the Holy Spirit's voice and that He would guide them. Just like our crew heard and followed the commands of our guide on the river that day, the Christian can learn to listen to and follow the voice of the Holy Spirit. If we practice seeking the Lord's presence in prayer during the calm spots in life, His voice will become familiar to help guide us through the turbulent times that may lie just around the bend.