There Are Streams in the Desert

I was reading in the current Homecoming Magazine recently, and a comment made by Lynda Randle made me smile. The article was about the singer's routine of reading the Bible and devotionals, and Lynda's comment took me back many years ago.

Lynda mentioned the book Streams in the Desert by L. B. Cowman. A very dear friend purchased it for me early on in my Christian walk. I read it straight through for many years, and was so thankful to have received it.

You see, it is a great book on helping Christians understand how to handle concerns and trials. Lynda said: "All I can say about this little devotional book is WOW! Somebody must have gone through a whole bunch of stuff because I see my life in almost all of those pages. It is SO encouraging! It is a book, of hope, faith, praying through, believing, trusting, receiving ... it's incredible! It has been life changing!"

That's how I feel about it too. What an education I received going through this book. It helped me see my concerns and trials from God's perspective. It helped me see how good can come from our difficult life experiences, and my eyes read the wisdom from mature Christian people.

Words from the June 15th devotion: "Testings are raining upon me which seem beyond my power to endure. Disappointments are raining fast, to the utter defeat of all my chosen plans. Bereavements are raining into my life which are making my shrinking heart quiver in its intensity of suffering. The rain of affliction is surely beating down upon my soul these days.

"Withal, friend, you are mistaken. It isn't raining rain for you. It's raining blessing. For, if you will but believe your Father's Word, under that beating rain are springing up spiritual flowers of such fragrance and beauty as never before grew in that stormless, unchastened life of yours. "For God hath made me fruitful in the land of my affliction." Genesis 41:52

There are several newer volumes out of this book, but the very first volume is the one which kept me coming back for more. It was one of my devotional books for 6 years, before I felt comfortable enough, and assured enough, to stop reading it each day. It was filled with treasure for the soul.

I've purchased a number of devotional books since that time, and hopefully continue to grow in areas that are harder for me to control. But Streams in the Desert will always be a special book for me. My friend, Jeanne, who gave it to me, has now passed away. But her friendship and wisdom helped me to grow as a Christian, and I will never forget her. Or, this excellent book that changed the way I see things.

"Believing God's promises the Christian is taken through difficulties of every shape and size--and arrives safely." Richard C. Halverson

You know what? I think it's time for me to pull that little book down again and be refreshed by its comforting words!

Jerry found this juvenile robin the other day in our yard. We think its wing must be broken. Jerry put it on the branch. The next day we saw it again on the ground. It was a delight to snap him though!