Flow Like Water: A Reflection of God’s Transforming Process
When I think of water, I think of so many different things. I think of a long bath after an exhausting week. I think of a nice, hot shower after a long day and all that it washes away. I think of wading in an endless flowing body of water that only seems to end when it reaches the beauty and splendor of the sun. There's something mysteriously amazing and awe inspiring about water. It is calm and gentle, yet powerful, fierce and commanding. It restores, refreshes, and reflects light.
God’s love and grace are like an endless ocean to me. Scripture reminds us that “His love endures forever” (Psalm 136:1), so I'm intentional about staying aware that even when the waters get rough, as long as I stay in His flow, I am safe and will always end up who and where He wants me to be. Like water reflecting the sun, His presence shines, not just around us, but within us.
God’s Flow Is Everywhere
God's flow is everywhere. We see His flow in everything He has created. It's in all of the world around us and all that is within us. Water is woven through it all. From the rivers that nourish the land to the tears that carry our pain, God uses water as both a symbol and a substance of life.
The earth is filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.
Habakkuk 2:14
The Holy Spirit enables the process of transformation inside of us, and just like everything else in God’s flow, water is woven through that too. Jesus said, “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (John 7:38). God's process of transformation for us, happens much like water turning into ice. It happens quietly, patiently, and according to God’s design.
Transformation Is Gradual and Intentional
Transformation does not happen in one step. It's a gradual, unfolding over time until a certain set moment. Just as water must reach a specific temperature before it turns into ice. There comes a point when it seemingly just becomes, but that moment is the result of a process that has been working beneath the surface all along.
And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18
This process is never forced. It must remain in the proper environment. The conditions needs to be conducive to growth. When the environment is right, transformation happens naturally. But if something is removed or lacking from that environment before the proper or set time, the growth is lost. Ice melts back into the state of water when it's taken out of the freezer and left out in an unsuitable temperature. In the same way, spiritual growth cannot remain if we step away from God’s presence too soon. “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6), but we must stay close to Him and be open and intentional about what's needed to grow closer.
The Role of Environment, Purity, and Vessels
Outside elements also affect transformation. The more contaminants are added, the more the process is delayed. When substances are added to water, its freezing point changes, which can either slow down or speed up the process. In the same way, what we allow into our hearts and minds affect our spiritual growth.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:1-2.
Externally, conditions such as temperature, nearness to the source, and the vessel itself all matter. Transformation requires the right spiritual atmosphere. It requires one where hearts are open and surrendered. Nearness to the source increases conductivity. Jesus said, “Abide in Me, and I in you” (John 15:4). Reading the Bible and regular communication with God are direct connections. Be mindful of what else your heart and mind intakes. Anything that is not of God is a contaminate. During this process you are spiritually sensitive, especially since you should be spiritually open for the Holy Spirit to do His work. We are protected, however, God warns not to leave a foothold for the enemy and invite trouble.
Even the vessel matters. If water is set to freeze in a metal container it will freeze faster than water set in a plastic container because metal releases the heat at a faster rate than the plastic. And that also retains the cold faster. And of course the thickness matters as well. If you sent something to freeze in a thick plastic container it would obviously take a bit longer to freeze and if it was in a thin plastic because the water would then be closer to the source of the cold. There's less that cold air has to get through to affect the water. The less that stands between us and God, the deeper His work can penetrate. When the vessel is willing to release what no longer belongs, transformation happens more freely.
Internally, fewer impurities create less resistance. I'm no scientist, but as I understand, water has a set freezing point. Whenever there are foreign substances are added, it changes the freeze point to account for the foreign substance. Meaning, if the water is pure, then the water will freeze at its designed freeze point, as long as conditions remain conducive. The point of transformation shifts when the heart is clear. Every contaminate in your mind and heart, distorts and interferes with your faith, growth and relationship and connection with God. Increase impurities, Increase delays, disruption and destruction.
Reducing the volume, less of me, more of You, allows God’s light to shine through us. Just as clean water reflects light more clearly, a surrendered heart reflects His glory. “The human spirit is the lamp of the Lord that sheds light on one’s inmost being.” (Proverbs 20:27), and when our hearts are aligned with Him, there is a noticeable shine in our eyes, fire in our soul and a quiet testimony of what God is doing within.
Sometimes transformation is strengthened by slowly adding more of the source, much like placing a small ice cube into water. If the water is at the precise temperature, when you add the ice cube the water freezes. God often uses community to do this. Another brother or sister walking alongside us can help usher in growth, as “iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17) and a loving ear is healing. Most importantly, as we make more room inside, God comes in and feels the space.
At times, gentle disruption or agitation at the right moment can support transformation, especially when the heart is already prepared. In the case of water, when it is at the right temperature if there is some disruption to the water it will freeze instantly. Many times we're frustrated or disheartened about situations that occur in our lives, not realizing that God has allowed these situations so that we can gain correction, connection and revelation. So we must stand on the truth that from the moment we said yes to Jesus, we were under the Lord's protection and also, in His training program.
He has marked us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
2 Corinthians 1:22
When God’s Process Defies Expectation
There are also special circumstances within God’s design. In certain situations, hot water freezes faster than cold water. It's a phenomenon known as the Mpemba effect. When particular factors are met, the condensation, evaporation and other factors shorten freeze time. It reminds me that God’s ways do not always align with our understanding, yet they are always intentional. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord (Isaiah 55:8). It also reminds me that those who have walked through the fire develop a relationship, gratitude and a depth of surrender that creates an atmosphere of faith and perseverance where growth thrives.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4
By sight, the exact moment of transformation is hard to tell, because it happens in slow stages. But just because we cannot pinpoint the moment does not mean the work is not happening. God is always moving beneath the surface, shaping us in ways that will eventually reflect His light. We often first see it reflected in our attitude, our peace, and a quiet confidence that shines through our eyes.
Closing Reflection
God transforms. It's a subtle, intentional and relational journey that will be full of sorrow and unimaginable joy, rejections, losses and boundless love. As God aligns your life with His plan and purpose for your life it sometimes gets messy, as transitions typically are. Each step we take forward, deeper into the unknown, we steady in His flow, while building faith and endurance, which we need, to rely on his strength daily.
Transformation in God’s flow is not rushed, forced, or loud. It's steady, intentional, and full of grace. We are slowly becoming something new, when we remain in His presence, connected to the source, and surrendered to His timing. We will become exactly what He has called us to be, reflections of His glory, flowing together as one body, right where He wants us to go, united in love, grace, freedom and most of all, Jesus.
Closing Prayer
Lord,
Thank You for Your patient and perfect work within us. Teach us to remain in Your flow, surrendered to Your timing and close to Your presence. Purify our hearts, renew our minds, and reflect Your light through us. May our lives be vessels that carry Your love, grace, and glory wherever You lead.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.
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