When I’m Like Niagara . . .

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.