K.P. Yohannan shares his childhood experiences of navigating a flooded river in a canoe, illustrating the importance of balance in life and ministry. He emphasizes that just as he learned to balance on the canoe amidst rushing waters, we too must cultivate a balanced foundation in our thoughts and service to sustain a healthy life grounded in God's grace. The sermon draws from Ecclesiastes 7:18, highlighting that fearing God allows us to grasp both aspects of life without letting go of our faith. Yohannan encourages listeners to maneuver through life's challenges by being rooted in the Word of God.

“It is good that you grasp one thing and also not let go of the other; for the one who fears God comes forth with both of them.” Ecclesiastes 7:18, NASB One of my happiest times growing up in India was playing along the river. When the monsoon season came and brought the floods, the river near my village would swell. You could be sure all little kids were out on the rushing water playing in our tiny, homemade canoes—so small they could hold only one person. I was there too, just a young boy, maybe five or six years old. Just imagine, a young little kid, no more than 60 pounds, tossing on the rushing waters of a flooded river in a makeshift canoe. I can remember countless times when the whole thing would be flipped over by the force of the water, and I’d be underneath with that canoe over my head. But after many monsoon seasons and many flips, I became an expert at handling my little canoe in the floodwaters. I became so good that I could actually stand and put one foot on each side of the canoe and balance myself on the outer edges. Then I’d maneuver myself right through those waters. These memories make me wish I were young again. It was growing up by the river that I first began to learn the lesson of balance, which affects life every day, no matter where we are. In order to maintain a healthy life and ministry that doesn’t just come and go but is continually sustained by God and His grace, we need to have a balanced foundation in our thinking and our service. Then we will be able to maneuver safely through all that comes our way because we will be grounded by the Word of God.