Years ago, I chaperoned a 5th grade field trip to learn about how to protect the environment. There was a display made of sand, sticks, and water. The water flowed through the sand, creating a miniature river. As we placed sticks in the water’s path, the water created new paths. The placing of obstacles did not deter the water’s flow – it simply went around.

God’s promise to us is that there is no obstacle that can stop God from moving and acting in the world. Even if we are the cause of the obstacle (such as being obstinate or stubborn about following), God cannot be stopped. God will move around the stumbling blocks and continue to act in this world.

Text:

Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: For your sake I will send to Babylon and break down all the bars, and the shouting of the Chaldeans will be turned to lamentation. I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King. Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, who brings out chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick: Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. The wild animals will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches; for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise.