Dry Spells & Mighty Waves

Late one afternoon, I was sitting in the lobby of this trendy hotel in Nashville, sipping a vanilla latte, reading Isaiah 43. Even in the midst of a relaxing setting and with no pressing agenda, my gypsy soul was feeling restless. I seem to get this way every time I visit Nashville. There’s something about the city that tugs on my heart, calling me to pick up my mess in the city of angels and move it to another city of dreamers. Looking for some peace and clarity about my future, I knew I could open to Isaiah 43 for some peace. The passage opens with this beautiful declaration of God’s love, His protection, and His claim on our hearts.

“But now, this is what the Lord says - He who created you, Jacob; He who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine.’” Isaiah 43:1

As I’m reading this, I began to write out what the verse clearly states:

• DO NOT FEAR
• I HAVE REDEEMED YOU
• I HAVE SUMMONED YOU
• BY NAME
• YOU ARE MINE

Having read this passage hundreds of times, I was certain I’d get my fix of being reassured in God’s love for me, which in that moment I was truly reminded and in awe of the weight of that verse. But, as He always does, I did not intend to receive a lengthy text from my dad, at the same time, reassuring me of my future, ending with a verse from Isaiah 58:

“And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” Isaiah 58:11

Reading the text message my eyes began to well up with tears. On the first day of the New Year I was already crying. However, I wasn't crying in complete fear or worry, but because of an overwhelming feeling of love. God’s sweet declaration of love was being poured over me and God was using someone I love and admire dearly to speak through. Within moments I immediately felt more at peace. I firmly believe the Lord uses people as vessels to communicate to others. Even though we are not able to see God, we are able to see the fruits of His work. He uses people in our lives to speak to us. In that moment, He used my dad to remind me not only of the love from Jesus, him and my mom, and others, but he also wanted to speak over my life reminding me:

GOD WILL GUIDE YOU CONTINUALLY AND SATISFY YOUR DESIRE:

• in scorched places
• making your bones strong

YOU SHALL BE LIKE:

• a watered garden
• spring of water
• whose waters do not fail

The Lord knows each of our desires. Sweet child, He knows YOU. He calls you by name. He wants to provide, make you strong and vibrant. Even in the driest of deserts and the wildest of storms, you will not fail. You will not be forgotten or left to fend for yourself. Why? Because going back to Isaiah 43:1, we are reminded not to fear. Jesus has redeemed us, summoned us, He knows our name. We are His. The God of the Universe says explicitly, “You are mine.”

Spend time this week reflecting the way the Lord is using others to speak into your life and take note of the way YOU can be speaking on behalf of the Father. You are full of more power than you think. Call upon the Lord, it is Him that will make you strong and straighten your path. It may be messy and vulnerable. You may seem like you are in a scorching hot desert or insane storm, but that is often times where memorable and beautiful moments can occur. Keep trusting that God’s plan for your life is much bigger than what you think. He may take you across the globe or keep you where you are, but either way it is certain, your time will not be wasted with Jesus at the forefront of your fight. Carry that banner of promise, a banner of Love and adventure!