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“For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.” — Isaiah 44:3
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Much is required from athletes as they train and condition themselves for their seasons, and their endurance and attitude are tested constantly. Those at the highest levels have to be intentional with their nutrition and physical training, and know how essential food and water are to their ability to perform.
Just as physical dehydration is a health risk, many professional players get dehydrated emotionally and spiritually when they feel like their tank is empty from constantly pouring out energy day to day. We all need regular refreshment that only God can fully supply on a consistent basis.
From Genesis to Revelation, rivers are mentioned as a vital provider of moisture for all living things and are an illustration of God’s constant concern for our physical as well as spiritual needs. The Lord provides by regularly sending water our way. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve knew the trees and vines would always get plenty of water to grow fruit and vegetables. “A river watering the garden flowed from Eden; from there it was separated into four headwaters” (Genesis 2:10). Eden was a perfect paradise for animals, fish, birds and people … until sin entered the world.
During the journeys of the Israelites, God brought them to well-watered areas like Elim, where they didn’t have to search hard for something to fill their containers or to let their cattle drink (Exodus 15:27). On other occasions, the Israelites feared for their lives because they were in dry and barren areas without water, but God kept His promise by sending water from underground streams up through solid rock to refresh them and sustain life (Psalm 78:15-16).
When we read the inspiring stories in the Bible, we see God working on our behalf to give us water for our bodies and souls. The Lord wants us to put away our doubts and fears and trust His provision. The woman at the well knew God brought refreshment for everyone who will turn to the Lord and drink from that ever flowing stream. “Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life'” (John 4:13-14).
Through Christ, we partake of a river for our souls that flows forever. And Jesus told us, “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them” (John 7:38). He was speaking of the Holy Spirit that is given to all believers. In Him, we can avoid spiritual dehydration because we have access to the fullness of life through His living water, so let’s not waste His provision!
— Bill Kent, Pastor of Memorial Baptist Church, Sylvania, Georgia
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