He took his pocket knife and poked around in the grass. To my surprise a fountain of water seemed to appear. I was so intrigued. He encouraged us to drink as he himself brought some of this crystal-clear water to his lips. I recollect being skeptical about engaging with this new-found thirst-quenching water. As my dad drank, he prompted me to drink as well. Truly, I don’t recall if I did.
I grew up in the Bronx. Water came from the faucet not the ground!
What I did not understand at that early age was that Water Springs are drinkable. There is a natural filtering process created by God to give us life-sustaining water.
In a simple statement, rain that falls on soil finds its way into permeable rock such as limestone or sandstone and through natural gravity finds its way toward a river or stream.
The stream that was intercepted by my dad’s pocket knife was a natural spring.
There is a process here. Pure water does not reach my lips just because it falls from the sky. It falls on the surface and gets into the mountain side. It must travel through rough patches, be refined by rocks and yet still it needs to go deeper so the refining process can produce life-saving water!
Are you thirsty yet?
Jesus said, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (John 7:37b-38)
See, life can be difficult. The troubles of this world seem to hold us hostage. Just when we come up for some air it seems we are back into the thick of difficulties.
The Apostle Paul realized that the troubles of this world were producing something good in him. “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. “ (Romans 8:18)
Oh, the trouble is not pleasant, but it does cause us to press in deeper toward the Lord. He himself brings forth a purity that otherwise would not come.
The grace of God is always refining us.
Our desired changes don’t rise to the surface by themselves.
Like a beautiful Spring flower pushing its way through the still frozen ground surface, the process produces a beauty that reminds us life is emerging again.
“In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 6-9)
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33b)
I’ve come to know that Jesus who offers life-saving water can lead us through the hard places that try to consume us. He walks us through the valley and takes us by the hand into greener pastures. It’s a hard process to come out on the other side.
Jesus intercepts time, and Scriptures says that on Mount Calvary Jesus gave himself for us, a piercing that caused his blood to flow. A much-needed sacrifice for the purification of our lives. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
The woman at the well was probably skeptical and wondered what this Rabbi was offering. She was broken but desperate enough to ask Jesus for the Living Water he offered. “The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.” (John 4:15)
She left his presence rejoicing and transformed.
Are you thirsty?
John Newton put it like this, “Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come; 'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far and Grace will lead me home.”
I live in Orange County but you won’t find me at the edge of a mountain searching for water. Today my water comes in a bottle. Nevertheless, its Spring Water for me. Water that carries life with natural minerals.
But, the thirst of my heart is satisfied in Christ, the Living Water!
Broken and desperate is the condition of the heart before we encounter Jesus.
Broken and desperate is the condition of the heart before we encounter Jesus.
We need purification. He'll bring us through sanctification!
He knows how to lead.
He knows how to lead.
Join me as we reminisce through this old hymn.
“The Lord has promised good to me. His word my hope secures. He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures.” (Amazing Grace)
“The Lord has promised good to me. His word my hope secures. He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures.” (Amazing Grace)
God bless you!~Liz
