When the Waters Rise...

The past couple years we have experienced a lot of flooding in our area. Many of our friends had damage to their houses, including our neighbors whose basement flooded several times. The creek behind our house flooded more than once. The boys and I stood by the window and just watched the water rise. It carried the sandbox away and rose up the side of the swing set. We were fortunate. Others, who lived close to the river, lost everything. The waters never reached our house, but as the filthy water rose...we watched and waited with dread.

Lately, everywhere I look, the waters are rising. Not just the waters surrounding me. Many stand right now, watching the waters rise. So many are facing spiritual attack...the condemnation that whispers lies in the darkness, planting doubt and spreading fear. Some praying for the life of their child. Some praying for the strength to face another day without their child. Some cry alone, and walk numbly through their days without the one they love. Some are left with only broken pieces of a family. And some watch helplessly, unable to make the sick well or the broken whole. So many without a job...or enough income...discouraged and weary. Some are facing uncertainty...life is taking a new direction...the unknown awaits, and they stand in the midst of the fog ready to take a step of blind faith, unsure of what this new life may hold. And the waters rise.

So, what do we do while we watch the waters rise around us, wondering if they will overtake us? In the sea of grief...in the uncertainty of the unknown...in the hopelessness that threatens, what do we do when the waters rise?

Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
For I am the Lord your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
~ Isaiah 43:1b-3a

We hold on...to the hope we have in Him. We hold on until we are too weak, too weary, too overcome. We hold on until we can't anymore. And then, He holds on to us. As the waters rush in over our heads and we let go...He grabs our hands as we are sinking. And He lifts us to higher ground. He holds us until we are able to hold on again. He whispers to our hearts, "Pay no attention to the rushing waters rising around you, dear one. For I have redeemed you...I have called you by name...you are Mine...I will be with you...I will hold you above the waters. Trust in Me...for I am the Lord, your God."

When the waters rise...when it looks hopeless or impossible...remember His promise to you and keep your eyes fixed on Him.

Do not remember the former things,
Nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I will do a new thing,
Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert.
~Isaiah 43:18-19

When the waters rise, the One who makes rivers in the desert holds me...and He will hold you, too.