Countdown to Christmas – Day 3

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.
2 Timothy 1:6-8

The Dead Sea is a body of water nestled between the shores of Jordan, Israel, and Palestine. It is the Earth’s lowest elevation on land and is nearly ten times as salty as the ocean making it the world’s saltiest body of water. The history of the Dead Sea has drawn hoards of people to witness its unique presence for thousands of years. It originated from a lake called Lake Lisan, and because of the climate that surrounds it, the lake slowly shrank becoming saltier over time leaving the Dead Sea as its last remainder.

It appears like a basin of sorts sunk between Mediterranean borders. During the last several thousand years it has fluctuated with swells and drops, but the condition of the basin remains the same. Because of the harsh levels of salt within the water, sea life is unable to survive. Knowing the lack of life hidden beneath her dark cloak over the surface, this harsh body of water is stagnant in its appearance. One would struggle to believe there exists life within the ripples that lap the shore.

And perhaps sometimes our own belief can present itself to the world as that same lifeless basin. Because of doubts and restlessness within our soul, we struggle to stand firm in God’s promises. Sometimes our trust wavers based on what we see and not what we know.

Even though the apostle Paul lay dirty and alone in his imprisonment, he challenges us in his suffering. Our belief mustn’t remain stagnant. We cannot allow ourselves to sink into the abyss of dark waters timid and fearful, but by power, love, and self-discipline we need to pull ourselves to the shore.

Because even though we see a basin of death with no ability flourish life, the truth is we know it contains an overabundance of a life healing mineral that continues to replenish itself within its borders.

Father, may my belief continue to grow and replenish itself not allowing the basin of my soul to sit stagnant. Help me to stand firm in my trust of you and your promises for what I see is not always what it appears to be. In Jesus name, amen.