Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Holes


Little whirlpools form above the holes. It's easy to see where the water is seeping through the ground. Something has to be done to plug the openings so the water level of the pond can rise. The pond was designed as a place for the water to collect before spilling over a waterfall and into the creek. It was never meant to collect and stagnate. The holes have created a problem. The water has found an alternate path to follow, and is no longer flowing as it should.

Clay to the rescue. My husband, Steve, has spent countless hours digging clay out of the hillside, and transporting it by the bucketful to patch the holes. Beginning on the left side of the pond, and gradually working his way to the right, every visible opening has been filled with the pasty substance. Ever so slowly the level of the pond is beginning to rise. Once all the holes have been located and filled, the water will flow out of the pond as it was meant to.

My life as a believer often imitates my pond. Strange statement, but true. The Holy Spirit dwells in me as the 'living water' that's meant to point others to Christ and draw them to Him. This 'water' is alive and active. Jesus offered this description, "...the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life," (John 4:14b; KJV).

As long as I follow the Lord, and remain submitted to Him, the supply is bountiful and overflowing. He provides the power I need to complete each task, resist temptation, love others, persevere. And the list goes on. When I begin leaning on my own understanding, the 'holes' begin forming and I get into trouble.

In my own strength and wisdom, I forget to tap into God's power supply, and find myself looking elsewhere. I become consumed with the cares and insecurities around me, and my focus becomes self-serving. I stagnate and no longer fulfill the purpose God has for me.

I can't use clay to fill the 'holes' that have drained me, but applying the truth of God's Word provides the strongest 'patch' available. "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing," (John 15:4-5).

As A.J. Russell put it so beautifully, "For straying, My children, there is no cure except to keep so close to Me that nothing, no interest, no temptation, no other - can come between us," (God Calling, p. 168). To stay close to the Savior, the 'holes' need to be identified and patched. I need to submit my will to the Lord. And I need to stay focused on Him. Then that well of water within me will be able to spring up as it was meant to - bringing honor and glory to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Are there 'holes' that need to be patched in your life? What will you do today to restore the well of water within you?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for showing me the need to patch the 'holes' in my life. Help me to stay so close to You that nothing comes between us. Allow me to be that well of water that springs up and points others to a wonderful Savior. In Jesus' name, Amen.

14 comments:

  1. Very inspirational! There are quite a few "holes" that need patching in my life...trying to fix one today through prayer and fast!

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  2. "In my own strength and wisdom, I forget to tap into God's power supply, and find myself looking elsewhere"... isn't that where we often find ourselves Maria? When will we learn to tap into His power first and not last...
    Great post.

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  3. I enjoy your analogies. :) Yes, I have some work to do along these lines. Getting there, by His grace!
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  4. I can appreciate your reference to the vine and the branches from John. Having chopped down a large bush on my property recently, I witnessed how quickly even the thickest of branches withered without its life supply.

    It's true--eventually we accept that without Him, we can do nothing.

    Thank you for your post. Enjoy the rest of the week!

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  5. Hi Maria, Great analogy as always. I think we all have leaks/holes that go unattended until a major leak that we need to fill up. Storing God's word in our heart and mind helps us stay strong in Him. BTW, hubby and I spent the morning digging out windows and I took all the dirt and clay and put it aside until we can get a sump pump in the wells so we won't have flooding. We have plenty of clay here for you...lol.
    Hugs, Noreen

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  6. Another awesome post, Maria. Just like the holes formed when the water stagnated, when I let my relationship with the Lord stagnate - stop reading or studying, allow busy-ness to interfere with it - it makes it easier for the holes to form.

    Thanks for the reminder!

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  7. KC - Good to see you! You're not the only one repairing 'holes.' Wonderful that you're willing to do what it takes to get them patched up! May God bless you as you continue walking with Him. Hugs!

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  8. Marja - You're right! Every day it's a conscious decision to yield to the Master and submit to His will - doing things His way. Plugging into the Source is crucial. Have a wonderful week in His presence! Hugs!

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  9. Karen - Appreciate your kind words of encouragement! I know there will always be 'holes' this side of heaven, but being willing to acknowledge their existence is the first step toward growth. Have a wonderful time at the Conference! Look forward to hearing all about it! Hugs and blessings!

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  10. Janette - Good to see you! Thanks for sharing your real-life experience. The visual was vivid - the leaves on the branches withering soon after the bush was cut down. And you're absolutely right -that's what happens to us when we're not connected to our Heavenly Vine. Have a wonderful week and God bless you!

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  11. Noreen - Great point! Sometimes it seems easiest to overlook our 'holes' until they enlarge to the point when they can no longer be ignored. By then it takes a lot longer to repair them!

    Sounds like you've done a lot of work! I'm headed your way to pick up that clay!! :) Have a beautiful week, my friend!

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  12. Marji - Always good to see you! And you're right - there's nothing good about stagnation! I looked up the word 'stagnant.' Here's the definition: not moving or flowing; motionless; foul from standing still; stale; lacking liveliness; sluggish. Wow! Definitely not how I want to live my life!

    Have a truly blessed week growing in the Lord!

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  13. Awesome post, Maria! I never fail to feel inspired after reading one of your devotions. :)

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  14. Jessica - Thanks for stopping by! Appreciate your sweet words of encouragement. Hope you have a terrific week full of God's blessings. Hugs to you!

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