Drought to Floods

Last week we travelled to Sun Moon Lake on our day off.  Our goal was to see some mountains and trees, commune with God, and relax away from our usual area.  The water level at the lake was quite low as Taiwan has been experiencing drought conditions.

It is the worst drought in decades. This is exacerbated by the fact that no typhoons have made landfall in Taiwan since 2020.  Tropical storms that passed nearby have helped, but the lack of rainfall from the usual parade of typhoons making a direct hit on the island has caused a shortage in the fresh water supply.  In addition to needing water for daily living, Taiwan uses massive amounts of water for irrigation and for the electronics industry.

Two days after our trip last week, the first heavy rainfall of this year happened.  Flash floods, mudslides, and flooding were experienced in some parts of northwest Taiwan.  Our house had some small amounts of rainwater seep in, but there were no major problems.  Our house has enough elevation, and the drainage nearby was sufficient to weather the storm.  The rainfall is a welcome respite, something we have been praying God would send.  And forecasters say more weather fronts are approaching.

One of the consequences of an extended drought is that the soil near the surface dries out and hardens. (Photo captured from a Taiwan Plus News
Video.)  The result is that it is less able to absorb water.  It will take time for it to gradually soften and be once again able to receive the moisture and the benefits that accompany it.

Jesus told stories about soil that were metaphors for how people live their lives.  The nature of the soil determines their response to God’s truth.  At other times, the Bible described how people hardened their hearts.  The result is that they were unable to respond in appropriate ways to communications from God.

I (Lorne) am reflecting these days about Jesus being the Source of Living Water.

• Is my heart ready to absorb the blessing of having that moist nourishment in my life?
• Are there ways that I (and the people I associate with) are becoming hardened toward God and His truth?
• What process does God want to use to create “truth-absorbency” in my life and the life of those around me?

My hope is that these reflections and the things God says through daily quiet times with Him will help my life to continue to be fertile soil that produces fruit.

Praise and Prayer

• Please pray as we seek to provide practical help to a friend who has some large challenges in her life.
• We will spend a number of hours on the road this week.  Please pray for God’s hand of protection.  Unexpected actions by other drivers sometimes create dangerous situations.
• Praise the Lord that the husband of the friend we prayed for last week is recovering well.  He is now home.  Please pray for God to reveal to him the need for belief in Christ.
• The renovations on the newly rented facility for the Chiayi Alliance Church are in progress.  Please pray for wisdom as many decisions are made.  Lorne will preach there the beginning of May.
• Praise the Lord for some answers to prayer, including some prayers for our children.  Let’s continue to ask in faith to the God Who hears and answers prayer.