Free Flowing

My in-laws had problems with their drains recently. Well, who hasn’t? Drains are wonderful when they work, providing a free passage for the waste water to go away. When they get blocked it’s another story, usually expensive. The in-laws’ drains got blocked and there was a bit of a flood. The problem was discovered to be tree roots which had grown through tiny cracks in the inspection chambers and then filled up the space, thus preventing the passage of what should have been flowing through.

I was reminded of Jesus’ promise that streams of living water would flow through those who believe in Him. How often is that flow impeded by things that shouldn’t be there? We call them blockages and hindrances when we teach about the Holy Spirit. Our Christian lives may start with the belief that we are free and clear-flowing channels for Jesus, but it doesn’t take long before we realise that there are issues impeding the Spirit of Jesus having total access to every part of us. The streams become a trickle and maybe even just a ‘seepage’ until we are prepared to take the lid off and allow God to reveal the true source of the problem.

As with invasive tree roots, the enemy can get through the smallest crack or opportunity and then grows there to block the Spirit’s flow. The only answer is to remove the blockage and repair the damage. That can be a bit painful and time consuming, not least during the process of cutting stubborn roots, to ensure a complete clearance. All of the enemy presence needs to be dealt with or he will re-invade with lots of his friends!

My in-laws’ drains will need more attention before the water flows freely and permanently. Maybe there will be a continual need for our lives to be inspected from time to time, just to check that no more roots have got into the system. I would rather be a flowing stream in Jesus than a stagnant cistern full of ungodliness!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, the enemy can so easily invade us and hinder Your work in our lives. Please show us where the blockages may lie and give us the courage to take off the lid, so You can do Your work of healing and deliverance. Then we may become the streams of living water flowing into the lives of those around us. Amen.