The Rising of the Lake

A couple weeks ago we kayaked on Big Creek Lake, our area's 3,600-acre water reservoir. 


While we were kayaking, our friend, Steve, who was very familiar with the area, told us that usually there is an area of sandy beach around the perimeter of the lake, but recent heavy rains had raised the level of the lake to the point the beach had disappeared. It was the rain that increased our water supply.

Isn't that how it is in our spiritual and practical lives as well?

The rains -- the trials, the difficulties, the hard times, the times we just don't understand, are the very things that cause us to trust the Lord more, to totally rely on Him in ways we never would otherwise. These times are the very tools the Lord uses to stretch our faith, to show us more of His grace, to more abundantly shower us with His mercy and to be our provision in ways we could never know apart from the pain and suffering.

When my mother was dying of cancer, there were times my heart was so heavy and my grief so deep, all I could do was to cry out to Him, "Oh, Lord. . ."

There were no other words. I had none to say and He needed to hear no others. The cry of my heart was enough and He was there in ways I cannot express. He carried me through nights of work where I had to be happy and joyful with couples having their baby, when all I wanted to do was to sit and cry. He strengthened me to help care for my mother when all I wanted to do was to crawl into her arms and be cared for by her one last time. He steadied my hand as I did one of the most difficult things I have ever done in my life. . .sign her "Do not resuscitate" papers. He calmed my spirit when my heart raced in my chest as I sat beside her as she took her last breaths. He was abundantly above all I could ask or think -- His grace was more than sufficient. The rains that fell into the lake of my heart helped to provide the very sustenance that I would need to survive the difficulties.

He knows so much better what we need than do we ourselves. As the old saying goes, "When we do not understand His hand, we can always trust His heart."

"And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9