The surroundings were simple. After being surrounded by antic white marble crumbled by the years gone bye, and dry ground every where, we found ourselves what seemed like a different land. It was quiet, far from the crowds, it was deep in lush green and fresh moving air. Listening you could hear the rustling, rippling water pass bye. Here was the place, many believe to be Lydia's moment of moving from death to life. She received Christ Jesus and then was baptised...proclaiming the inner change and transformation of every part of her being. The first convert in Europe, and here we stood. Here we prayed for Freedom from all that binds us. As we sat in small groups together, we were proclaiming with all those who came before us, and those who would follow, that we too receive this same Christ who is alive and active. As active as the water rushing down.
The thought came to me, how the water was fresh and new...not the same as that which Lydia stood in. The rocks would have been around back then, but they have moved from the spot they found themselves in so many years ago. Could we be walking on the same rocks? I say...no.... Why? Because, if we did stand upon one of the original rock of that day, it has changed. It would have to, due to the water and it's friction in the movement of it all. I identify myself with one of these rocks. I have known Christ since 16, and I am not the same. I find myself in constant need of a fresh flow of God's moving and active Spirit in me, washing me down to being smooth in His hands. Some waters have come down like that of a storm, and the friction created moves me from one place to another. At times my rough edges have not had full access the the waters healing as I have hid under other well meaning rocks of Christ. Now I seek to scoot from the protection of man and lay myself bare before the waters flow. Flow over me anew, flow over me and make me like You. God I thank you for this amazing opportunity to stand in your Waters flowing from Your thrown of Grace. I love you my Lord and I trust You completely. May I be smoother still this very day.
NICOLE NORDEMAN wrote this song, and it is one of my favorites;
River God
Rolling river God
Little stones are smooth
Only once the water passes through
So, I am a stone
Rough and grainy still
Trying to reconcile this rivers chil
Chorus:
But when I close my eyes
And feel You rushing by
I know that time brings change
And change takes time
And when the sunset comes
My prayer would be this one
That You might pick me upAnd notice that I am
Just a little smoother in Your hand
Sometimes raging wild
Sometimes swollen high
Never have I known this river dry
The deepest part of You
Is where I want to stay
And feel the sharpest edges wash away
