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Prior to our permanent move to Hawaii, we visited our daughter who had just married Paul, a teacher on the island of Maui. One of our sightseeing ventures took us on the famous Road to Hana, a popular spot with breathtaking view of the Seven Sacred Pools.
These seven pools had been formed in the rocks and lava beds by rain rushing down the mountainsides toward the Pacific Ocean. Originating high above in altitudes unseen because of the ever-present rain clouds, the fresh water fell to the ground. First it filled the highest pool.
When that top pool was full, the still falling rain caused its contents to overflow and cascade into another pool down the mountain. As soon as that second pool filled up, it too overflowed…into another one further down the slope…and another…and another…until the last and final pool poured its contents into the immensity of God’s sea.
As I stood with my family looking at this wondrous handiwork of God, I thought of the life you and I are seeking to live as God’s followers. These seven pools illustrate for us the fullness we can enjoy — and the far — reaching impact we can have—as we live according to God’s plan.
Picture again that top pool, high on that mountain, veiled in a cloudy mist, hidden from the sight of others. Like that pool, you and I enjoy our hidden life with God, the private life we nurture in Him. Unseen by others, you and I are filled by God’s Spirit as we dwell in His presence and drink from His Word. In that holy mist He replenishes our dry souls until we are filled with His goodness.
Then that fullness overflows down into the next pool. The hearts of our spouses, children, family and friends are the pools our love and energy are to fill.
And then the waters rush down to the next level, where we get a glimpse of what God wants you and me to do for Him and His people. Here we feel passionately that we want our lives to count. Here we desire to serve others according to God’s purpose for us.
Having been filled from the pools higher up the mountain, we plunge in. We submerge ourselves in this fresh pool of knowledge, discipline, and training until, sure enough, the water level rises to the brink and surges beyond its limits, pouring forth into God’s limitless ocean of ministry and service that builds His people up.
When we are faithful to follow after God’s heart — when we tend and nurture each aspect of life as He instructs — the ministry He uses us in can have an impact beyond measure. Can you see it? These pools show us how God can use our lives most effectively for His kingdom. God wants us to first touch those closest to us, but He can also use us to touch the lives of others— countless others — for eternity. There is nothing that you and I cannot do with God’s overflowing love and power.
Question: Whose love has overflowed and touched your life in a meaningful way?
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Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
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