Power of H2O

  Recently, Arizona experienced the power of unleashed water in the form of a five-hour rainstorm--nothing of consequence in the Midwest but destructive in our thirsty desert. Interstate 10, the main artery from California to Florida which cuts through the heart of Phoenix, had to be closed for most of a day due to flooding, stranded vehicles, and the slippery muck left behind as the water receded. Schools were closed and neighborhoods were flooded.

Neighborhood park after Phoenix' 100-Year Flood                (photo courtesy Peggy Gregory)

 I was reminded anew of the immense power of water on a recent visit to the Grand Canyon. We hadn't seen this amazing wonder for about thirty years and wanted to check to see if it had changed. It didn't. It is still the inspiring view that elicits gasps. The steady erosion of the relentless Colorado River flowing for eons carves out this exquisite Natural Wonder of the World, both creating and revealing the striped beauty of the Canyon.

 











Arizona is the Grand Canyon State and residents and visitors enjoy it close up and personal, as hikers or mule riders, close but safe from viewpoints along the ridge or the new clear viewing platform that juts over the abyss, or from afar in an airplane or helicopter.

 


We visited another spectacular phenomenon on our recent trip to Canada where we hiked up to the base of Takakkaw Falls, formed by a melting glacier. The roar was deafening, the mist drenching, and the power thunderous.



The Bible talks about the power of water in its metaphor about believers being channels of God's love to others--living water leading from Jesus, the Source of abundant life and salvation. "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." (John 7: 37-38) Jesus was teaching about the power of the Holy Spirit which soon would come to his followers. He was encouraging them to believe and then spread the Good News.

Imagine yourself as a living stream, a channel filled with fresh, clear, life-giving water. You can be the one who carries the message of salvation and blessings to your family, friends, and acquaintances. People all around are hurting and craving hope in a world gone crazy. What strengths, love, faith, etc. do you have to offer? 

Go and refresh the world around you.

"If you believe in Jesus, you will find that God has nourished in you mighty torrents of blessing for others." 

                                                                    Oswald Chambers in My Utmost for His Highest

(To leave a comment, click on "Comments" then use the pull down menu to register as "Anonymous". After writing your response, click "Publish.")