Fish in a Flood

Is your life flooding over today? We would love to pray with you.

“I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39, The Living Translation)

Recently much of the eastern United States endured flooding as a result of heavy rains after a hurricane. Roads were washed out and people were stranded far from help. Small streams became raging torrents, ripping houses from their foundations. Electric power was nonexistent for hundreds of thousands of people. As one woman discarded spoiled food, she said, “I feel like a fish forced into a river.”

Where do fish go in a flood? Are they swept away to sure destruction? If they survive, how do they survive? One conservation specialist says that many fish go deep into the river to sit on the bottom where the current is least strong, the muddy, opaque water concealing them. Some simply adjust to go with the flow, enduring the stress but with only short-term storm effects.

While not everyone experiences a watery flood in his or her lifetime, similar devastation comes into the lives of everyone. A previously healthy, active child is suddenly diagnosed with cancer. A young adult son with a promising future suffers a deadly accident. The well-planned career is snatched away without warning. Divorce unexpectedly shatters a family.

Where does the Christian go in a flood? Many of us have learned to go “deep into the river to sit on the bottom.” We cannot avoid the swirling tempest, but we get into the quiet space with God where we can hear His whispers. Life demands that in one respect we “go with the flow,” tending to the demands of everyday responsibilities, but because of that deep place with God, the storm only alters us, but does not destroy.

Questions: Where do you head when you’re feeling overwhelmed? Is a time of flood an experience that strengthens your faith?

TweetEmailPrint

7 Responses to “Fish in a Flood”

• Loading comments
• Doris says:

  November 10, 2011 at 10:31 am

  Thanks for taking the time to visit and post your comments ladies! Not only is the devotional itself so encouraging, but it is truly a blessing to read all of your comments! Thank you to each of you and may you go to the Rock today as Andrea says!
• Andrea says:

  November 9, 2011 at 7:39 am

  As the song says, I go to the Rock! I truly believe that a time of flood is truly an experience that strengthens our/my faith. Once I’m through the flood and loook back 8 often wonder how I made it. I can honestly say I am stronger and no longer the same as the song writer sings. Thank you Lord for the new me You are bringing forth??
• shellina says:

  November 8, 2011 at 11:28 pm

  I have only seen floods in news on TV and it is a trying time for victims. I thank God for His protection from physical floods. The floods in my life have really raged but i thank God for that quiet place. Be encouraged by Psalm 32;8.
  This devotional is very timely. Let us pray for people in areas affected by physical floods because for them that is double floods.God bless you.
• DonnaL says:

  November 8, 2011 at 12:07 pm

  Hi Marilyn, good analogy with the flooding and fish. Thanks for pointing us to Jesus when life seems like a watery flood. He is our safe place to go and sit when we are drowning in over-whelming circumstances. I’m learning how to rest in that place that God provides and do believe that it strengthens my faith.
• Molly says:

  November 8, 2011 at 10:03 am

  I myself have cried so many tears. I love and need people. I’ve had to Learn to be careful with trusting everyone with everything. I do believe God can use all our sufferings for His glory when He chooses.I’m also learning to listen to others. I have learned so much from their experiences. I’m so thankful for those who are willing to share how they have learned and made it through life when hard times come. I don’t know where I would be without all the biblical encouragement. I’m choosing to go to God first when I’m overwhelmed and His Word and prayer to hear from Him and wait for His leading ,then do what the Holy Spirit is telling me to do!! The peace of God can quench all the fears I may hear or see .The Word is within me and you.This stirs up ,fans the flame within.

  2 TIM 1:7
  For God gave us a Spirit not of fear but of power and love and self control.
• Brenda says:

  November 8, 2011 at 9:27 am

  Knowing that Jesus is with me wherever I go and no matter what my circumstances has allowed me to walk out of the dark prison of life-controlling fears in which I once resided into the freedom of His glorious Light. I absolutely love this devotional, Marilyn, and and along with Mercedes, the promise of God that I can get into the quiet space with Him where I can hear His whispers even in the midst of the swirling tempest is a tremendous comfort that truly draws me to Jesus in a powerful way, for these are the times when I am closer to Him than in the smoothness of everyday life. Your words remind me of one of my favourite songs that I would like to share; it is by Jesus Culture, and it is called, “Your Love Never Fails”:

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoezWBPGRAc

  Thank you so much for this; you have truly touched my heart, and I needed this today! God bless you, Marilyn.
• Mercedes Perez says:

  November 8, 2011 at 8:37 am

  God is so faithful I so needed this word at precisely this moment. My day started like the fish caught in the current of the raging flood waters. Romans 8:38-39 and the devotional put things back into perspective. “We cannot avoid the swirling tempest, but we get into the quiet space with God where we can hear His whispers.” Thank you.