Pause, Trust, and Overcome: Lessons from Flowing Water



I've been living with the uncertainty of the current housing market for some time as I've been waiting for my house to sell.  

There are times when I have been close to despair, when I start to consider this an obstacle to my true happiness.  

In those low moments, I think to myself, "If only this house would sell, all my problems would be over."  It's then that I can begin to feel overwhelmed, and eager to just find an easy way out that I could rush to in my anxiety.  

It's also tempting to think that our happiness is contingent upon overcoming the obstacles that lie before us.  Oh, that it were that easy, am I right?

In life, each of us encounters obstacles that test our faith, patience, and serenity. 

These challenges often feel overwhelming, as if we are hitting a wall that halts our progress. Yet, there is profound wisdom in learning to pause, to gather strength, and to trust in God's perfect timing. 

As Thomas F. Cleary beautifully said: 

“When flowing water...meets with obstacles on its path, a blockage in its journey, it pauses. It increases in volume and strength, filling up in front of the obstacle and eventually spilling past it... Do not turn and run, for there is nowhere worthwhile for you to go. Do not attempt to push ahead into the danger... emulate the example of the water: Pause and build up your strength until the obstacle no longer represents a blockage.”

This imagery of flowing water offers a powerful lesson for us. When life’s difficulties arise—whether health issues, relational conflicts, financial struggles, or doubts—we often feel urgent to push through or escape the discomfort. 

However, true strength and victory come when we emulate the water’s response: pausing, gathering momentum, and trusting that God is at work within us. 

The water does not stubbornly push against the obstacle, risking breakage or exhaustion. Instead, it learns patience, allowing itself to build up until it overflows the barrier, reshaping the path ahead.

God does not intend for us to be overcome by our obstacles. Instead, God wants us to recognize that in pausing, we prepare ourselves for the next victorious movement. 

By relying on the Spirit within us (Romans 8:11), we gain divine strength to overcome every hurdle. Our Heavenly Parent is the ultimate source of patience, resilience, and serenity. When we feel powerless, it is God's power working through us—strengthening our hearts, calming our minds, and giving us clarity in confusion.

The Apostle Paul speaks directly to this in Philippians 4:6-7: 

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” 

This passage reminds us that patience and serenity are rooted in trusting God's peace. When we lift our burdens to Him, He grants us calmness to wait for His perfect timing.  

I have always loved how Paul described this peace as something that is beyond all our understanding.  It's peace that doesn't make sense, considering the circumstances.  

So, I encourage you today—when faced with hardships—practice patience. Seek serenity, knowing that God’s Spirit is working within you, strengthening you with each challenge. 

Don't rush blindly into difficulty or despair; instead, pause, breathe, and seek God's guidance. Trust that when you are ready, the Spirit will lead you forward, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth and victory. 

Embrace divine patience, and let God's peace sustain you as you navigate life's obstacles.

May it be so, and may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all, now and forever. Amen.  

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