Don't Let The Water Dictate Your Faith!

(Bert Savard/CBC)

Manitoba is in a state of anxiety as the flood waters seem to dominate conversations, media coverage, and incalculable hours of sore muscles as people place sandbags to save their homes. What is going to happen next in our fight against the rising waters in Manitoba? Good question with a good answer...we'll do what Manitobians do very well, persevere. It's not like it's the first flood that has hit the area or the last. Next year we'll face similar conditions, and although they might not be as severe, we'll still have water to deal with as the cycle repeats itself. For those of us who believe and trust the Almighty God, it is also a time to be engaged in two different and equal activities.

The first activity is to pray. Pray for God's hand of blessing on all aspects of fighting the flood......Wisdom to use the incredible wisdom and intelligence of those who live in Manitoba and can provide assistance to the areas most directly....for safety of everyone working so close to raging waters.....for volunteers to help those who are unable at this point to help themselves....for peaceful thinkers on both sides of the planned breech....for winnipegers who still suffer from "perimeteritis" .....and not lastly....pray for the waters to recede.

The second activity is to do whatever you can. Apathy is still one of the most dominant genes in many people's lives. They will gladly stand by and watch as others drive to Brandon and Portage to help sandbag or lend a hand where needed. Yet it takes time and money but it's the right thing to do. I recently "put my back out" helping a river's edge resident put us their wall of defence. Did I pay for it later....oh yes...but I did something about helping others. I loved what one woman said yesterday on the newscast, "I just drove out here and thought I"d find someone throwing sandbags where I could help" she said.

Wherever we look, there are people who could use some help. Take that in context or apply it to all areas of our lives and we'll never lack for things or people pray for and do whatever we can to lighten their load.

Seek out a group of worshippers or workers tomorrow and lend a hand in praying or serving...they both are required and appreciated.

Praying for a miracle again in Manitoba.

Pastor Brian