A few years ago, we stopped at Niagara Falls on a family road trip. Having never seen anything like it, we stood there amazed by its majestic grandeur and awesome power. We felt inexplicably joyous, as if a healing strength emanated from the rushing waters and sprayed on our faces with the windy mist.
I could have stayed there for hours basking in the comforting strength of it, filled with reverent wonder at one of God’s most incredible creations. How could anyone be near Niagara and not know that God exists in a living, tangible way?
Yet, I hadn’t thought about Niagara in some time… until today.
Every once in a while I wonder if I’m making the impact I could be making in the world. I often feel as if I’m on the verge of something big, but can’t quite step into it. Everything I do feels like tiny little steps that aren’t going anywhere fast enough.
This morning I prayed about why I keep having this gnawing feeling that I’m coming up short, never doing enough, never being fully who I can be – or perhaps who I already am. I feel like a glowing ball of light crammed into a two-inch box. As silly as it sounds, I can’t seem to find my way out of it. When will I learn that the box has absolutely no power to contain me other than the fact that I think it can?
I have come to understand that God created me to be a fountain putting forth the good things He gives me. I’m to become a conduit of His love, light and truth to others. I’m to share what He’s giving me and never selfishly try to contain it for myself. Because of this, I’m periodically drawn back to Jesus’ words to the woman at the well:
“Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again, but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst, but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” John 4:13-14
As best I can, I’ve tried to stay connected to Christ and allow His living water to spring forth within me, out to bless others. But no matter what I do, it never seems to be enough. The box always seems to be getting in the way.
This morning as I was praying I felt as if God asked me, “When will it be enough, Marnie?”
Immediately Niagara Falls flashed into my mind, and I answered, “When I’m like Niagara!”
- When I’m a rushing waterfall of Living Water that showers and mists the world for good;
- When people know Jesus Christ because they know me;
- When people around me hear God’s voice like the rushing of great waters;
- When anyone who comes within my sphere of influence feels an inexpressible love, joy, and peace;
- When my life has become a masterpiece of God’s creations – testifying of His majestic power, strength and love to others . . .
Then it will be enough.
But how can I ever be like Niagara? Is it even possible? I believe my ability to be Niagara comes down to …
- The strength of my connection to Jesus Christ.
- Opening myself up completely to Him – letting His love and glory hollow out my soul and kick off the sides of that box.
- Letting Christ wash me clean of any and all obstructions.
- Being willing to fall and know that it’s all part of His plan.
- Letting go and allowing His abundance to rush straight through me and out to others.
Yes, when I am like Niagara, it will be enough.
That was perfect, Marnie. Exactly, what I needed to hear on this beautiful Sunday morning. I am so grateful for all of your insights that you immediately share with the world because it is so often an answer to my prayers.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Love Always,
Martina
Marnie, I think I heard a Divine belly laugh when you answered “Niagara!” I think He delights to know His kids want to dream big. Did you feel a heavenly high-five on that one? I’m with ya!
Marnie. Your devotional today was very inspirational and a blessing to me. I understand how you feel as I strive to do the right things each day and am looking for the day when I spring forth like Niagara. May God bless you in your daily walk with Him. You are a great inspiration.
hello from Montana:
Thank you for sharing your insights and inspiration.
You are doing a wonderful work as a messenger of love.
Judy H. Wright
Marnie, that was an awesome revelation. Thanks so much for sharing and for being among us. I love and appreciate all you do.
Big Hugs
Lucy
Right on target Marnie!
Everywhere we look we see the awesome power of the mighty God!
May His name be praised!
The is joy on the journey!
Jim
Marnie,
Beautiful insight, as I have gone through those spells of knowing that something greater is about to take place in my life. It doesn’t always end up being what we believe that it is going to be, yet, the Lord gives us something bigger than what we were expecting.
Everyday when I wake up, I always tell the Lord, “great things are going to happen today,” and he continues to show himself strong in my life and those that I meet or interact with. It may only be a smile or hello to someone, yet God uses that to bless another person.
Shirley
Marnie,
It is as though you wrote this for me. I feel exactly as you do when you say that everything you do feels like tiny little steps that aren’t going anywhere fast enough. I pray so hard to be a conduit through which God reaches people.
Thank you for your inspiration.
Lee
On those rare occasions when Oris Reed and I discuss something other than words and writing, your name comes up. He says you’re an amazing woman, and often comments on your source of power.
I agree with him, you’re an amazing woman. I know and understand your source of power – Amazing is the God we serve.
Thanks for sharing this.
Jan
Thank you Marnie so very much for sharing this with us. I really needed this today. Seems like you always know what I need. 🙂
Love in Christ,
Cynthia
Marnie,
Thank you for sharing. I have never been to Niagara Falls, but I can imagine their power through the video you posted. I identify with the feeling of having a torrent of ideas flowing into you while all that seems to flow out is an inconsistent trickle- sometimes feels like an explosion waiting to happen:) Thanks for sharing your epiphany…it was just what I needed to hear today.
Hugs
Stephanie
Marnie,
Thank you for sharing! I really needed to read this today. I am really struggling with this feeling right now. Your post was an answer to prayer and confirmation to me that I need to spend more time with God and listen to what he is trying to tell me rather than trying so hard to reach & attain the big things that are to come on my own. When I spend more time listening and turning things over to Him… that is when He will allow me to see the bigger plan and purpose He has for my life and message to further His kingdom.
In His Grip,
Erica
Hi Marnie
Thank you for your message today! I feel we are all on our own personal journey and if we lean on God he will take us to where he wants us to be. We have to be thankful and grateful for what we have to move forward in what God has prepared for our lives. As you indulge in a closer relationship with him you have this peace knowing that the future is taken care of in the most amazing way only he has prepared for us.
I pray for guidance and wait on the Lord to direct my steps to where he wants me to be as he ways are not our ways and his thoughts are not our thoughts.
Everything is in God’s time and his timing is always perfect. I do understand what you’re saying as we all get to that point at some stage or another. God Bless
Hi Marnie,
For starters, I’d like say that although I receive your mailings daily, I don’t take the time to read them everyday. That being said, I believe that Lord lead me to this one in particular. Although I have an internet based ministry for women, I have been struggling with answering my call to preach the gospel; I tend to “run” from the pulpit. “I” am more comfortable and prefer the teaching setting, but I know that it’s not about what I want or what I am comfortable with.
Reading your message today was very enlightening to me. I feel as if I have a “Niagra” inside, but I am hesitant to let it flow.
Thank you for being obedient to writing this message. It has been and will continue to be an inspiration to others. It was truly a blessing to me.
I have made a copy of it to read everyday from now on.
Wow, thank you all for your kind comments! I had no idea so many people could relate to this. I almost didn’t post it because I figured I’m probably the only person who feels this way and everyone would think I’m nuts!
It’s good to know I’m not alone. I’m glad others were able to be blessed by it.
God bless you all!
Marnie
Marnie,
This blessed me incredibly today. Whenever I see your emails in my inbox it excites me because of the light I know I will enjoy from your incredible ability to share insights from your life experiences.
Thank you.
-julie ashley
mother of ten, wife of one