Spiritual Refreshment
Sunrise to sunset, day after day, year after year, mesmerizing amounts of water continue to pour over Niagara Falls at breathtaking speed, the roar deafening to those standing in awe of this natural wonder. The power of the mighty water crashes and thunders over the massive rock formations in a nearly perfect straight line on the American side, while on the Canadian side it cascades over a natural horseshoe curve. Down below, the water plunges to form a cool mist and spray that rises up, creating an eerie fog above the swirling, churning waves. In fact, the power of water going over the falls actually creates a deeper base than the height of the falls itself, and although there are taller waterfalls, there are none wider.Geologists say about 12,000 years ago Niagara Falls was approximately seven miles downstream from its present location due to the rushing water pounding away at the natural bedrock composed of soft shale and limestone. When you consider that the amount of water cascading over the Bridal Veil Falls (American Falls) is estimated at 75,000 gallons per second, while the Horseshoe Falls (Canadian Falls) averages a flow of water at 675,000 gallons per second, one can understand how such a phenomenon occurred.
I’ve never witnessed Niagara Falls in person, but every time I view it on television or see it in pictures I am captivated by the never-ending rush of water, amazed how it keeps thundering over the edge, forever and always.
When I was in my late-20’s I rededicated my life, vowing to place my trust in Jesus Christ and begin a personal relationship with Him. But it was a brand new journey and I was a little uncertain what might happen if I indeed stumbled, letting God down. Whenever unexpected tremors rose up, threatening to shake my newfound commitment, I wavered, doubting my faith and ability to stand firm.
Amazingly God guided me through various circumstances, embracing me with His refreshing spirit, leading me to an outcome that far surpassed my own limited expectations. Grateful for His wondrous influence, I wanted to show my appreciation by not "needing" Him again, wanting instead to show Him I could handle things on my own, like a child who’d learned an important lesson.
As I continued my walk with the Lord and my spiritual life matured, however, He opened my eyes to the error in my thinking, allowing me to see that His love is not measured out by mere teaspoonfuls, or even gallons, a love where we will "use up" our allotted amount. Instead, God’s love is an unending source, a river of eternal life. As we invite the rushing waters of the Holy Spirit to refresh our thoughts, emotions, will, desires, and activities, that is when we will ultimately discover our spiritual transformation. With joy I now depend on God to guide me and refresh my spirit daily. Acts 3:19 says, "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."
God’s power is far greater than the force of a mighty river, only one of the many earthly wonders He created. John 7:38 "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." I imagine Niagara Falls is only a trickle in comparison!
© 9/2001 Barbara Majchrzak