In God’s Flow

It’s been a long time since I’ve written a devotion, and it feels good to sit down and put my thoughts to paper. This past year, especially the last few months, was filled with many changes. God has been behind the scenes orchestrating things I wouldn’t have expected for myself or our family. He has shifted, rearranged, paused, closed doors, and flung some wide open.

One big change is that this past December I stepped down from leadership in women’s ministry after twenty-one years. It had been a huge part of my life and identity. I know God has something new in mind. I’m just praying to be fruitful and a blessing wherever and however He wants to use me.

Another significant transition includes the purchase of a new home in another state. My husband and I first visited Idaho a year and a half ago and both got the strong impression that we wanted to buy a home here (yep, I’m writing from Idaho). There was a tug on our hearts and a call in our spirits that we couldn’t deny, and we believe God is the One who placed it there. Although we are certain that it was His plan all along, there were curveballs that required faith, perseverance, and lots of patience on our part and that of our realtors (now friends). After many last-minute flights back and forth and house hunting, we finally found our place on the river, where we get to gaze at God’s glory every day.

Our new home is in a little oasis along the river, in the middle of the city. Instead of rush hour we enjoy the sound of rushing water. There is a bike and walking path out our back gate that stretches for thirty miles. I often enjoy a morning walk before the path gets busy. One of the routes I take includes a bridge where I stop to pray and ponder. I love watching the flow of the water and how it bubbles over the rocks.

Yesterday, when I stopped at my usual spot and looked into the water below, I noticed a splintered log lying near a shallow sandbar. The log affected the current in a variety of ways—most of the water that encountered it continued flowing straight downstream, while some flowed up and over the log and took a different course. What really struck me was that some of the water began to surge backward, momentarily heading upstream against the strong current. No matter which paths the water took it always ended up going in the right direction. God had set the river’s course, and nothing could thwart it.

I often see parables in nature; our life is like the river too. Sometimes the flow is easy and other times we’re met with obstacles. Still other times we feel as if life is taking us backward. No matter the shift or redirection, we can trust that The Lord has set our course; He has good plans for us and a perfect purpose. He is always calling us onward and closer to Himself. Like the river, no matter the route or detour, we will ultimately end up at our God-intended destination.

Amid our disruptions or discouragements, we must remember that God sees, hears, and cares. He is sovereign over everything in Heaven, on earth, and in our lives.

The Lord is faithful to bring to fruition His perfect plan, we need only trust His timing and ways.

(Remember that the Lord is your life raft; cling to Him through any rapids.)

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Psalm 16:9

“Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.⁸ I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.” Psalm 63:7-8

”For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

⁴ The Lord works out everything to its proper end…” Proverbs 16:3-4

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