Rushing, overpowering, flowing, powerful, moving, compelling, awe-inspiring, intimidating - writing and reading these words, it’s easy to think of how the Holy Spirit entered the first apostles on that first Pentecost.  Yet, as I write this by candle-light (having had no power for over 24 hours), I cannot avoid thinking of  how those words also fit what Nashville has experienced this first weekend of May, as the rains came down without ceasing and the waters rose to challenge everything that stood in the way.  These flood waters reached into every open (and not so open) space because it nowhere else to go.  There was no escaping its reach and its power.  Even if you are on higher ground, you are still affected by its devastation.  We can see the news, hear of the loss of life, watch live video of homes and vehicles being swept away.  Our hearts feel the loss even if we aren’t experiencing it directly.  Think on this:  What would our lives be like if we had to surrender ourselves to the power of the Holy Spirit in the same way that we have had to surrender to the power of these floods?  We often act like we can escape the reach of God, much like climbing to higher ground in a flood.  By trying to escape, we are denying ourselves the miracle of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  We are missing out on the flood of God in our lives.  We need this flood!  We need this miracle!  When the Spirit is flooding within and out of us, we are able to challenge everything that stands in our way! 

Here's a link to the photos from the flood:  http://www.pbase.com/bellanundo/floodageddon_2010
Add Comment