Breaking the dam

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​Some time ago, when the stream that rambles through the bog beyond our road was briskly flowing, my husband and I decided to paddle it upstream. We had a goal in mind, to look for beaver dams. Our seasonal neighbours who own that section of bog wanted to know what kind of beaver population they were contending with, and since we enjoy a scenic paddle we thought we’d scope it out and take some photos. As our canoe pushed forward, angling around tight bends and twisting flowage, we did find beaver dams and huts made of sticks and bramble that rose from the stream like igloos. The beavers built the huts to spend the winter in, with upper levels inside for nesting and access to the backed up watery depths below. We’ve never deconstructed a beaver dam, but understand it involves a lot of muscle and machinery.

Compare that to maintaining the stream Jesus promised. He said from out of our innermost being would “flow streams of living water” (John 7:37-38 CSB). Make no mistake, the devil wants to clog it up and set up housing—and he’s good at it. So, how to stop him? Don’t give him space.

It means paddling upstream to figure out where the blockage begins and what hinders the flow. What gives the devil an advantage and keeps us from experiencing all of Jesus? What keeps us trapped in a mud hut of regret instead of launching out, “forgetting those things that are behind,” (Philippians 3:3-14 CSB)? We’ve only got one stream that really matters, and one short life to figure it out.

So when the devil has you in a place that’s got you stuck mid-stream, call on the only One who has the muscle and machinery to break you out of it. Get back to the Word and the promises of God. Forgive yourself. You were made for more than slapping your tail in the mud and giving the devil the sticks he needs.

​Toni Babcock
Minnesota, USA - info@grace-lines.net