Fellowship in the Flood
Isaiah 43:2a New International Version (NIV)
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When storms come, floods can destroy anything that lacks a firm foundation. The swollen Missouri River carried logs and debris as it flooded its banks in June. Standing in the midst of the floodwater stood the Missouri state champion bur oak. It stands at 74 feet tall and is believed to be 300-400 years old. Its deep roots help it to withstand the flood. Yet God has not called us to stand alone. He calls us into community.
On the six month anniversary of my son’s passing, I got in my car and traveled to one of our favorite spots to watch the sunrise. Flooded roads made traveling to the spot difficult, so I imagined that I would be alone. Bryce and I would travel to this location often to photograph the large bur oak tree that stood alone in the agricultural land near the Missouri River. On this day I planned to photograph the tree surrounded by floodwater to symbolize strength in troubled times. I put on some waders and stepped into the deep flood water. My emotions began to get the best of me as I understood the symbols of the moment. This large tree standing alone in the midst of the flood as I also stood alone in the same flood water remembering what was lost in my own storm.
Suddenly a truck came driving down the road. From the truck emerged an older man. He also put on some waders and started to walk into the water with his camera in hand. We both stood together in the deep water photographing the tree that stood alone. Eventually we began to discuss why we were each there. When I informed him that it was the six month anniversary of my son passing away he shared that he had also lost a son many years ago.
What are the odds of me finding another father who had also lost a son standing in the floodwaters of the Missouri river? God can send help for us when we most need it. He can also send us to be a help for someone else when they need it most. In Isaiah, God reminded the people of Israel that he was with them through their times of struggle. He is with us too. Sometimes that can be by sending someone who has shared a similar pain. Although each person’s grief is unique, we can relate to each other's pain and suffering. Sharing the burden together allows us the opportunity to bypass the frustration of traveling this journey alone.
Response
Who has God sent to help you through your suffering?
How can you help others who share the same suffering?
