Today is Thursday, July 17th, 2008; Karen's Korner #1358
I received this devotional from JoAnne Schleck last month and liked it, but I put it in a file and just re-read it a day or so ago. The message is just as good, maybe even better a month later, as we continue to clean up places damaged by flooding. If it doesn't relate much to you, maybe you can forward it to a friend who has had difficulty with more water than they needed or wanted::
Through The Waters
June 17, 2008
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you. Isaiah 43:2a
The brooks have become streams; the streams have been turned to creeks; the creeks are being transformed into rivers, and the rivers are covering homes and farms and cities. Much of the Midwest is flooded, and forecasters say the rivers will stay above flood stage into July.
This devotion is being written primarily for those of you who must stand helpless and watch a flood do damage, possibly permanent damage to your possessions, to your future and to your life. It is also written for anyone who feels helpless before life's surging setbacks.
At this moment, you may be asking, "Why?" You may be wondering, "What have I done to deserve this? It's like God doesn't care."
The answer to your questions can be found in the book of Isaiah. There the Lord says, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you."
Understand, the Lord didn't say the waters won't come; He only promises those waters won't have the last word in your life. God doesn't say the rivers won't rise, but He does assure His believing children the torrents cannot overwhelm those who rely and believe in His love.
The same grace which was shown to us in the Bethlehem manger, on Calvary's cross and at Jesus' empty tomb remains with us right now. True, it may be hard to see, but it is there and will bring you through the waters.
Now, I realize that those words are easily spoken by someone whose house is high and dry. That's why, if you doubt me, I encourage you to listen to people who have been where you are now. In April 1997, residents of Grand Forks, North Dakota,. had to abandon their things to a rising river. Record snowfalls and record temperatures made for record flooding.
After the waters subsided the people began the laborious process of cleanup. That's when the people showed their faith the Lord was still with them. On signs, they let others know the Savior had brought them through the waters.
One home put out a placard that read: "BASEMENT APARTMENT, $10 A MONTH, INDOOR POOL...," Another said, "WE KNOW WE'RE BLESSED--PLEASE PRAY FOR RAIN WHERE PEOPLE NEED IT MORE." One said, "The LORD HAS TOLD US WE ARE NOT WHAT WE OWN."
We aren't what we own. What we are is people who have been redeemed by the Savior. The life of God's Son is what we're worth and no flood can wash that away.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, for being there when I feel alone, my thanks. For helping me see what I am really worth, my gratitude. For showing me this is not the end, my everlasting appreciation. In Your Name. Amen.
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