In this article, we will explore seven water miracles from the scriptures. There are so many different levels to these stories and some of these stories mirror others.
In thinking about water, some things to consider;
Millions of people around the world lack access to clean water
2.2 billion people: Lack access to safely managed drinking water
703 million people: Lack access to a basic water service
3.5 billion people: Lack access to safely managed sanitation
2 billion people: Lack access to a basic handwashing facility
4.4 billion people: Lack access to safely managed drinking water, according to a study based on computer simulations
One in four people: Lack access to safe drinking water
So although I often derive a water metaphor from the water miracle stories below, there are still real world issues relating to water that require actual water miracles. Perhaps God can use you to provide water to those who need it?
Making Bitter Sweet
‘When they came to the oasis of Marah, the water was too bitter to drink. So they called the place Marah (which means “bitter”). Then the people complained and turned against Moses. “What are we going to drink?” they demanded. So Moses cried out to the LORD for help, and the LORD showed him a piece of wood. Moses threw it into the water, and this made the water good to drink.’ (see the full story in Exodus 15:22-27)
One of the most valuable miracles we can experience in life is when God makes something that was bitter, sweet. I learnt this lesson very early in my walk. There have been many people I have needed to forgive throughout my life. Where are you in that regard? Are you bitter toward certain people? Bitter in regard to your circumstances or the hand you’ve been dealt? Perhaps you’re bitter toward God?
‘See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled’-Hebrews 12:15
Do you need a miracle in your life regarding this – allowing God to turn your bitter, sweet?
Water from the Rock
Once again the people were tormented by thirst in the wilderness so complained to Moses.
‘The LORD said to Moses, “Walk out in front of the people. Take your staff, the one you used when you struck the water of the Nile, and call some of the elders of Israel to join you. I will stand before you on the rock at Mount Sinai. Strike the rock, and water will come gushing out. Then the people will be able to drink.” So Moses struck the rock as he was told, and water gushed out as the elders looked on’ -Exodus 17:1-7
Perhaps you have become spiritually dry and thirsty?
Moses struck the rock on this first occasion, but on the second occasion (see Numbers 20:7-11), Moses was told to ‘speak to the rock’ and that rock was Jesus (see 1 Corinthians 10:4)
So if you are feeling dry, speak to Jesus and let his living water flow through you again.
Samson’s Spring
‘Samson was now very thirsty, and he cried out to the LORD, “you have accomplished this great victory by the strength of your servant. Must I now die of thirst and fall into the hands of these pagans?” So God caused water to gush out of a hollow in the ground at Lehi, and Samson was revived as he drank. Then he named that place “The Spring of the One Who Cried Out,” and it is still in Lehi to this day’ -Judges 15:18-19
Sometimes we have to cry out for this living water…
‘On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water'” -John 7:37-38
Healing the Water
‘One day the leaders of the town of Jericho visited Elisha. “We have a problem, my lord,” they told him. “This town is located in pleasant surroundings, as you can see. But the water is bad, and the land is unproductive.”
Elisha said, “Bring me a new bowl with salt in it.’ So they brought it to him. Then he went out to the spring that supplied the town with water and threw salt in it.” And he said, “This is what the LORD says: I have purified this water. It will no longer cause death or infertility or make the land unproductive or barren.” And the water has remained pure ever since, just as Elisha said.’ -2 Kings 2:19-22
Are you feeling unproductive, barren or unfruitful?
A Dry Valley Filled with Pools
‘Now bring me someone who can play the harp. While the harp was being played, the power of the LORD came upon Elisha, and he said, “This is what the LORD says: This dry valley will be filled with pools of water! You will see neither wind nor rain, says the LORD, but this valley will be filled with water. You will have plenty for yourselves and your cattle and other animals.’ (see full story here: 2 Kings 3:15-24)
From a dry valley to a valley filled with water. From scarcity to abundance. From a water shortage to multiple pools of water.
What do you lack – cry out to God, he is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us
The Axe Floats
‘As one of them was cutting a tree, his ax head fell into the river, “Oh, sir!” he cried. “It was a borrowed ax!”
“Where did it fall?” the man of God asked. When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it into the water at that spot. Then the ax head floated to the surface. “Grab it,” Elisha said. And the man reached out and grabbed it’ (see the extended story here: 2 Kings 6:1-6)
Have you lost your cutting edge? Do you need that sharpness back?
The Healing Pool
The pool of Bethesda was said to be a healing pool. There were times that the pool waters bubbled up, sick people waded in and were healed.
‘Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda, with five covered porches. Crowds of sick people – blind, lame, or paralyzed- lay on the porches waiting for a certain movement of the water, for an angel of the Lord came from time to time and stirred up the water. And the first person to step in after the water was stirred was healed of whatever disease he had’ -John 5:2-4 [See full story at John 5:1-15]
This man had been waiting at the pool of Bethesda for 38 years. Bethesda means ‘house of mercy’. 38 years waiting for mercy to appear. This reminds me of a proverbs that states; ‘Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.’ -Proverbs 13:12
We Are Like Water
The average adult body is made up of 50–60% water, as you reflect on these water miracles, I want you to pause to consider your own heart and life?
Are you bitter?
Are you spiritually dry?
Have you become unproductive or unfruitful in the Kingdom?
Have you lost your cutting edge?
Are you in need of healing due to disappointment in your life?
Cry out to God for His living water and let God transform you from the inside out!
