Many years ago, when my husband and I sailed up the inside passage of the west coast of Canada to the border of Alaska, we had charts and maps to enable us to be aware of rocks and projecting land masses, but there could not be any indications for the floating deadheads.

A deadhead is a dangerous, mostly-submerged log, swollen and heavy with water, floating vertically and reaching down for perhaps seventy feet or more, which might have escaped from a boom during a storm and is capable of doing severe damage to a boat. The only visible evidence is usually a few inches of the log end above the water — a relatively small circle, which may even be covered by a wave and only revealed when it is too late, and the damage to the boat or steering is extensive.

I remember once when I was steering, I heard that terrifying sound under the boat: clonk, clonk, clonk, clonk as we moved over the deadhead. My husband, who was constantly checking the boat when we were underway, materialized as if by magic in the wheelhouse, his eyes revealing his horror. I had forgotten momentarily to watch for the deadheads! I thank God that no damage occurred. But next time?

In the Holy Spirit, we have all the help which we Christians may need to assist us to be aware of the deadheads of sin which may suddenly appear in our lives. They may be hidden under the gloss of simple, friendly, good times, but the good times may become more serious and life-changing.

John 14:26 – But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you. (AMP)

He, that wonderful third person of the Godhead, will teach us all things. Nothing is outside of His knowledge; nothing is beyond His view of the situation; and if we allow Him, He will go before us and show us the deadheads of life.

Prayer: Thank You, gracious heavenly Father, for the personality of the Holy Spirit Who watches for us and is able to point out the dangers even before we are aware of them. Help us, Father, not only to listen but also, indeed, to obey Him. None of us is outside the reach of spiritual deadheads, but together with the Holy Spirit, we can avoid them and continue an undamaged, victorious journey. Thank You, Father, for Your Son and our Saviour, Who promised every generation this wonderful possibility. Amen.

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