Rivers and Floods

 

The Nile River Delta is a life line to the agricultural success of its Northeast African region. As a 6th grade social studies teacher it was always a challenge to demonstrate to my students on a flat map how the flow of the Nile actually runs in a northward direction. The elevation in the south where the Nile actually gets its start is higher than the areas in the north near the mouth of the Nile as it flows into the Mediterranean Sea. Thus, when you look at a map and try to explain to students that Nile river actually flows northward it doesn't look possible. That southern elevation creates a mighty force of H2O at times overflowing the banks and causing destruction along its course. As flooding and the ensuing destruction occur, something essential and beneficial is also happening. When the Nile and all other rivers flood, loose top soil nutrients are sweep up in the forceful river currents and carried miles and miles downstream. If you've ever witnessed a creek or river after a heavy downpour the water's color is distinctively changed from a clear, clean appearance to that of a caramel brown rapid. As the waters of the Nile reach the lower elevations in the northern region of Egypt the flooding waters begin losing the assistance of gravity, water runs downhill not up, and then nature takes over as the once flooding waters begin to form the delta region where the mighty Nile river becomes several small tributaries moving at a much slower pace. As this happens the dirt and its nutrients start to settle and rest on the surrounding area. The positive outcome of this course of nature is a fine layer of silt filled with rich nutrients that create a fertile soil base for raising crops in what otherwise is a harsh environment for agriculture. In essence, without the flooding waters of the Nile River, the Nile Delta would not receive the nutrients needed for fertility and thus impact the growth and output of crops that provide nutrition and a livelihood to thousands of families in and around Egypt. 

Okay, so now you have endured what so many of my former sixth grade students had to survive, but what does this have to do with our time together today as we prepare to face a new week of challenges and opportunities? Well read on and you shall see. Just as the flooding waters of a river pick up nutrients and carry them on downstream to ultimately provide much needed nutrients and fertility to the soil, we too should be gaining knowledge, wisdom, and strength as we deepen our relationship with God through prayer, mediation, study, and other forms of daily worship. In Paul's letters to the church in Philippi he encouraged the followers there to constantly be growing in their understanding of Christ with this scripture: "I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.  For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return.  May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God." Philippians 1:9-11 (NLT). The love of Christ overflowing into your life, you growing in your relationship with Christ and then the fruit of that growth in your relationship not only impacting you, the soil in which it was planted, but also providing much glory and honor to Christ through the service you provide to others. Sound familiar? 

Just as the flooding waters of a river benefit from the nutrients collected along its journey, your time spent with God creates a flood of positive outcomes and righteousness that all benefit others more than yourself. As you spend time with God reading His word, listening for His guidance, and thanking Him in both the blessings and the adversities of each day, you will begin to overflow just like the mighty Nile River of the African continent. Keep in mind though, the fertile soil of the Nile Delta doesn't happen without the flooding as the river flows northward, and in much the same way, we won't grow in Christ if we do not invest the time each day to learn and advance our understanding of God's will for our lives. Unlike the flooding rivers of this world, nature doesn't just give us the nutrients we need to flood our souls with the plans God has for us to fulfill. That responsibility falls on each of us in our own personal choice to follow Christ. 

Creeks and rivers meander along their destined course slowly and peacefully on a normal basis, yet when the skies open up and the rains overflow their banks the force and power of that same river are evident to the eye and ear. My prayer for you today is that you will allow God's word to flood your mind, body, soul, and spirit. Each day you have the opportunity to read His word, seek His guidance, and allow His love to flood your soul and ultimately impact the world in which you live. Be a river of love, not a pool of discontent. The choice is yours, flow. 

Coach Carter