Questions and Waterfalls

Have you ever found that place that you knew was holy? I mean, some how, some way, the place was just different from the rest? I've gone my whole life without finding too many of those locations, but I've just recently came upon one.

We were traveling trails in Arkansas when we came upon a little river. We followed the river to the point where the currents were growing faster and faster and soon found, a little ways off the main path, this waterfall.

I guess there is nothing special about it at face-value. It is a relatively small waterfall, no incredible drop like Victoria Falls, no great mist like Niagara, but nevertheless, something holy. And when I say holy, I mean sacred, different, marked distinctly by God as His flawless creation. Holy.

Everyone else stayed on the path, my girlfriend and I stepped over the fence and made our way across the moss-covered boulders to get as close as we could to the pouring falls. Then, we just sat. For the next twenty to thirty minutes we sat in total silence with only the crashing water making any noise. Really it was impossible for me to talk - I was just in awe of what He had put together so perfectly. I don't know if Cara's experience was anything like mine, because although we sat right next to one another, I felt like it was just me and God.

So I talked to Him. Usually in prayer I find myself always asking. God, can you do this for me? God, will you show me what I need to do in this situation? Lord, please heal this person or protect these people. And where I don't think any of that is necessarily wrong, I have found that I often do that too much without expressing my thanks to God for who He is. So, for the next couple of minutes, I spent my time thinking about every incredible characteristic of God and thanking Him for being that way. I thanked Him for being in control of everything so I didn't have to be. I told Him how cool it was that He loves and forgives me every time I screw up. I thought about how caring He is to even those who hate Him. And I thanked Him for creating this waterfall.

And then the unexpected happened. He spoke to me.

No, not in some audible, earth-shattering way. This was just by some unexpected phrase that came to my mind and heart and wouldn't go away. (This is called the Holy Spirit by the way)

The words were "Dive in."

Weird, huh? Yeah, they confused me at first too. I was like, "God, please don't mean this in a literal way. I am fully dressed, it is a bit chilly outside, plus, I don't know how shallow this pool of water is and I could easily get hurt." But those thoughts are what cleared everything up for me.

I had all these questions and concerns: the water was too shallow, it was too cold, people would look at me like I was an idiot...I wouldn't be making enough money, people wouldn't understand, it really isn't logical, it might hinder a job in the future, maybe God had something different for me and I need to move on.

Questions and concerns.

But questions and concerns that I didn't need to deal with. God is much bigger, much more in control, and has a plan for my life that I just need to follow unreservedly. I just need to dive in and He will protect me and show me what I need to do.

Right now, Jeremiah 29:11 comes to mind.

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"

That waterfall gave me a peace that day. God is in control so I don't have to be. As long as I am in His pleasing and perfect will He will keep me safe, on the right path, heading towards the waterfall.