SCRIPTURE: But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:12-13 KJV
THOUGHT: Yesterday I said we have been “swept up in the current” of the river of life that flows around us – and within us and through us too. The Psalmist observed, “You have enclosed me behind and before, And [You have] placed Your hand upon me. Such [infinite] knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high [above me], I cannot reach it (Ps. 139.5-6 AMP).” If we stop and think about being surrounded and filled by God’s living water, it won’t be long before we acknowledge we are enclosed behind and before, and it is wonderful.
The baby Jesus grows up and tells the Samaritan woman, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water (Jn 4:10).” And Scripture says he cries out (in a big, outdoor voice) to the crowds one day at the temple, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water (Jn.7:37-38).’”
When you’re kayaking and get caught up in a wonderful river current, you don’t use your strength to go upstream — unless of course you’re an Olympic athlete with a door tied to your boat. You flow with it, you enjoy being surrounded by the moving water; you give yourself to the river because you know it is helping you toward your destination.
The same is true of us who’ve been “given the power to become sons of God.” We’ve been born again and baptized into the river of God’s life, born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
We’re surrounded in the best way possible by a God who loves us. I’m thinking we might as well enjoy the ride.
SONG: Surrounded, Kari Jobe
PRAYER: Oh God thank you for surrounding us, behind, before, and even within with waters of life. Help us surrender in the current of your love, knowing we have been born into this river of life by your will, and are held there by the same.
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Blogger Amy Clemens is the author of Walking When You’d Rather Fly: Meditations on Faith After the Fall. In it she explores childhood sexual abuse and how it impacted her faith (or lack thereof) for four decades. You’ll find not only her story, but better yet, the Big Story of God.
Check out Walking When You’d Rather Fly, and learn more about the book and Amy’s other ministries. You will also find her devotional work at Words of Hope.
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