Water is one of the most destructive elements on Earth. It’s no wonder that insurance companies categorize major storms and flooding as acts of God. The power of water is evident, having carved canyons and shaped landscapes over time. This past weekend, I witnessed this power in my own office. It was remarkable to see how water could seep through cement and brick, eroding channels through dirt along the way. Given enough time, water can completely change everything it touches, and in many ways, this is a good thing.
As you read through Scripture, the theme of water’s significance is prominent, linked to major events throughout history. From creation to the flood, from crossing the Red Sea to the cleansing of Naaman, each incident reveals a power unlike anything else. Peter emphasizes this in his letter, noting that the power of water, when connected to God’s word, has the ability to create and destroy. He writes,
“For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God; and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished” (2 Peter 3:5-6).
Another passage recalls the story of the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4. As Jesus speaks to her, he refers to Himself as “living water.” For Jews, the phrase “living water” indicated water that is continually flowing, like a river. In contrast, water from a well can be stagnant and stale, while living water is teaming with and full of life. When Jesus says He is living water, He explains that His purpose is to do more than merely satisfy thirst.
“Jesus said to her, ‘Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life'” (John 4:13-14).
The contrast between these two types of water is striking: one is fleeting, while the other is everlasting. The water that Jesus offers will fulfill your deepest needs, whereas the water from Jacob’s well will ultimately run dry. However, this is just one aspect of the process. The water Jesus provides is powerful; it is, in fact, the most transformative force on the planet. It can carve paths through even the hardest hearts, alter landscapes, and create entirely new worlds. It has the potential to change lives.
If you allow the living water to flow through you, it will cleanse you completely. No crevice will remain untouched, and no place will be left for filth to dwell. Water is the most formidable element on Earth, and this is truly a wonderful thing. Stop resisting it and let the water do its work.