When the Waters Rise

 

Rusty’s family grew up on the banks of the Homochitto River in Southwest Mississippi. Most of the time, it resembles a big creek with vast sandbars and mostly shallow water, but after many days of heavy rain, it becomes much stronger than you could imagine. It has eroded away the banks year after year and bridges built to hold tons of vehicles have been washed away by raging waters in the past. I was surprised to see just how much of the land that once grew crops for his family had been taken away by the river the last time I was in that area.

We know that we will face storms in life.  In Psalm 107 we're told that God calms the storms and in Matthew 8 we read where Jesus calmed a great storm for the disciples.  If we put our faith and trust in our Lord, He will see us through any major storm that comes our way. But what if they aren’t major at all? 

Sometimes life can throw a multitude of things at us all at once. It may not be anything big. It could be a series of smaller events that gradually add up. We start out calm and peaceful but after an extended period of time, our emotions begin to swell like the river’s water from many days of rain. The challenge is to hold strong and not let it sweep over us until the rain ceases and things are calm again.  

In the same way that much damage can be done in a short period of time by the rushing water, if we aren’t careful, everyone in our path will feel the effects of our stress and we can unintentionally damage relationships.  Although sometimes difficult, we must always strive to stay at peace, whether in the middle of a huge storm or just a long period of rain. 

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation.  But take heart; I have overcome the world.  -John 16:33 

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not sweep over you….  -Isaiah 43:2

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1974 Highway 33 Bridge Collapse

Photo:  Wikipedia