A Raging River

The other day I heard a woman speak of God's love as a raging river. She said we need to jump in and let it sweep us away. My first thought was fear - I have a fear of water - and raging water is even more terrifying. Then I was praying with some women in our group and it came to me - a picture. About 3 years ago I went to Virginia with some friends to visit a friend. She had reserved a cabin in West Virginia for us to use as a getaway for a couple of days. This cabin was right near a river. We walked down to the river and waded in to sit on some rocks and bask in God's glory as only West Virginia can hold it. One thing I haven't mentioned about this river was that there were water snakes in it. They were basking on the rocks and slithering around in the water. For some reason as we sat there we weren't really afraid. They seemed to be there for the same reason we were. Don't get me wrong, we were somewhat nervous, but we weren't terrified. Then, as we sat there with water surrounding us, an eagle flew right over us all the way down the length of the river - soaring - majestic and free. That's what came to me - a picture of me sitting on the Rock in the middle of a big river. Safe and secure with life swimming around me, water engulfing me, free to soar. His love, perfect love, casts out fear. I rest secure on the Rock. God is good.