Transparent Christian Magazine

Esther and I spent Easter weekend in Buffalo with Benji and his family. Ben & I went to see Niagara Falls on Monday. The beauty of the falls is spectacular. However, I was captivated by the appearance of the Niagara River at the “point of no return”, which is approximately a mile from the falls.

The surface of the water looks extremely calm. However, the current is beginning to move water at the rate of 50,000 cubic feet per second. This movement climaxes at 3,000 tons of water per second cascading over the falls!

Many daredevils have entered the point of no return with very few survivors. Some folks have accidentally lost power in their boat and became victims of the current.

I’m reminded of the currents of life and the harmless appearance of the entry point. No one believes there is a point of no return nor realizes the power of the current.

Alcoholics begin with a harmless drink and say, “It’s only a beer, and I can stop any time”. The current of addiction takes over, and entire families are carried over the falls and destroyed.

Most marital affairs begin with an innocent and harmless conversation. Suddenly, the couple becomes victim of the current of lust, and two families go over the falls. Two homes are broken apart in the aftermath. Children are left to float down the river of living with one parent and become ping- pong balls bouncing from parent to parent.

Isaiah has some very comforting words for situations like this. In Chapter 43 he records God’s message to Israel by saying, “Don’t be afraid. I have redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You are mine. When you are in over your head, I’ll be with you. When you pass through rough waters, you will not go down. When you are between a rock and a hard place, it won’t come to a dead end. Because I am God, your personal God, the Holy One of Israel, and your Savior. I paid a huge price for you.” IS 43:1-4 The Message

God does not stop the currents that we choose to float in, but he allows us to reap the consequences of the currents. After we go over the falls and are broken and battered, he’s there to redeem, restore and lead us “ beside quiet waters”!

Christ has eliminated my guilt
His Spirit tells me I am his child
Awesome victory is mine
My mind is set on his Spirit
Power is made perfect in weakness
I have the intercession of the Holy Spirit and Jesus
Only God knows why bad things happen to good people
Nothing separates me from his love
Satan has been defeated!

Mike Cowart Sr. is an author and a teacher, a mentor and a friend. You can read more of his excellent C.H.A.M.P.I.O.N.S series here. Contact Mike here.