As a child growing up on the edge of the Qu’Appelle Valley, adventure was only a short walk away. The destiny was rarely chosen! The journey itself a joy! While walking unmarked trails over hills and through deep valleys, there was nothing more exciting than stumbling on a stream head oozing from the fresh soil. Cupping my hands into the moist earth, watching them fill with crystal cool water and finally tasting the refreshing goodness was a delight. I would linger there in the discovery of a refreshing stream!
I can still hear the voice of my father, “Springs open up just before a good rain!” He, too, had lived in this area most of his life, as his father had. He learned the signs of shifts in the atmosphere long before he saw or heard the evidence. The little springs and streams announced the news to any who would take notice!
This little spring, like all other streams nearby, would ebb its way downward to the valley floor, nurturing life along the way. It would join itself to the sleepy Qu’Appelle strengthened by larger named creeks, before merging with the Assiniboia and the Souris. Finally, intersecting with the Red, it would eventually rush ever northward until it dumped its sweet contents into the ocean of salt.
“How blessed you will be,
sowing your seed by every stream…”
Isaiah 32:20
Seeds grow by streams. Their roots go deep to unseen resources hidden beneath the soft crust. There they would flourish and endure!
There are many streams:
natural and spiritual
some powerful and large,
others unnamed and obscure,
merging with others
combining strength and momentum
losing themselves in united direction!
How blessed I am to know and have deep connections with those whose lives are committed to sowing seeds of faith by various streams. Some have a generational lineage of seed sowing; many are just beginning that inheritance of enriching others!
I’m noticing a marked increase in the abundance of streams lately. Perhaps my Father is saying, “a heavy rain is coming!” Joel talked about it and so did the writer of Acts — a rain that will drench
“…I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.
Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days.”
I recognize my little stream of influence is insignificant in comparison to others! Thankfully, it isn’t the stream that is of greatest value. It is Jesus who is the clear demonstration of all God’s goodness; He is of highest worth. So, I simply, humbly, and carefully announce the news of His presence and love to any who will listen. As they do, they are refreshed, revived, and restored.
A Refreshing Stream Prayer
Lord, today I thank you for my little life.
Thank you for reminding me how small it really is.
I rest in the shadow of your greatness,
goodness and glory.
I relinquish my right to be different or separate
as I join myself willingly and joyfully
with others.
Together we become stronger and swifter
spilling the essence of You into the ocean of salt –
the nations before us.
I stand in awe of the every growing discovery of who You are
and drink deeper still from Your refreshing
and abundant stream.