Open the Floodgates
Floodgate is defined as the last restraint holding back something powerful or substantial. Have you ever felt like you where on the brink of something wonderful? You were full of constant expectation and yearning as everyday you took steps forward. Now this may sound exciting from the outside but on the inside it can be a frustrating. No matter the journey, each step you take is an investment. They are an investment with your all your resources: time, money, emotions and more. But something deep inside you says it will all make sense just keeps believing.
In preparation for the World Race, I experienced new and heightened levels of excitement. Also an abundance of God’s love like never before. I found myself constantly surprised how much joy God was giving me. This was different and it was in direct response to my choice to obey and trust him. But now in real-time, month 1 and 2 on the Race, the heaviness seemed to comeback. These feelings just didn’t make sense. I couldn’t shake the constant disappointment and frustration.
We arrived Friday to the YWAM base in Panama. The very next day it began to rain consistently. The YWAM community at base kept remaking how the previous week it was bright and sunny out. As if the rainy season had passed. But the rain confirmed that it not yet over. Well these waters felt like a symbol of the abundance still coming. As I’ve began to take steps of faith God keeps meeting me and most recently it was through small chats with some of the YWAM student community. Hearing there testimonies and being able to share in their graduation.
God keeps showing me clearly where my trust can veer away; not completely planted in him through seasons of discouragement, disappointment, and loneliness. It’s his job and desire to provide exactly what we need. I was challenged to constantly evaluate my source. A recent devotional passage was based in Psalm 42 and the message translation has a way of bringing the scripture to life. It starts by saying:
“As a white-tail deer drinks from the creek […] I’m thirsty for God- alive. I wonder will I ever make it arrive and drink in God’s presence.” It ends saying twice, “Fix my eyes on God soon I’ll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He is my God.”
The text ended by repeating where the Psalmist puts his focus and the end result of his restored perspective. My take home was repeating it just as the Psalmist helping the process of truth to going from head to heart! Where is your source?
