The Power of a River

A few years ago, while vacationing in the Smokey Mountains area, the family and I decided to venture out and visit a local river park to do some river tubing. If you’re unfamiliar with river tubing, river tubing is when people ride innertubes down a river. Depending on the river conditions, tubing can be relaxing or adventurous.

After paying for our tube rentals, I asked the attendant about the river’s conditions. “It’s running a little faster because of the recent rains but still manageable. It might also be a little colder than normal,” he said in a calm and understated voice. “Thanks for the info. We’ll keep it in mind.” I said. With that, we were off.

When we approached the top of the river, all seemed fine, and the water looked refreshing. So I set the kids in the water first, then my wife, and finally I went in. As we set off, we linked up and took a few photos. Shortly after, we split up and started drifting down the river with an occasional bump here and there.

However, a bit further downstream, we encountered some obstacles and became more separated. After a while, the distance between each other grew greater. Eventually, it was just one of my sons and me. At that moment, I decided I needed to stop and wait for the rest of the gang.

However, when I got off the inner tube and into the water, the river’s power was stronger than I had anticipated, and I found myself fighting to keep my balance. With every step, I could feel the powerful current pulling me. Eventually, I made it to the banks, where the current was less powerful, and I could pull everyone aside and reunite.

My story reminds us of the power Christ gives each one of us through the Spirit. Christ’s says that he gives us living water that flows like rivers. Not a trickle or drop, but rather a river. It’s time we believe in and use this power He’s given us for His glory.

Daily Directive:

Answer and Journal the Following

Read:

John 7:37-38
On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. ³⁸ Whoever believes in me, as[a] the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”

Pray:

Pray for the desire to learn more about Christ and the ability to use everything He pours into you for others.

Meditate / Make It Real:

Contemplate and meditate on or memorize the passage. What is God saying to you? Then, determine what you will do with what you’ve learned.

Share / Show:

Share and show what you’ve learned with someone else.