There is a place where many of us unknowingly settle.
Not because we have stopped believing in God, but because we have become comfortable with just enough of Him to get by.
We know His presence. We attend church. We pray when life gets difficult. We believe He has good plans for us. Yet somewhere along the way, we stop moving deeper.
The tragedy isn’t that God has stopped working.
It’s that we’ve stopped following where He’s leading.
In Ezekiel 47, the prophet receives a remarkable vision. Water begins flowing from the temple—God’s dwelling place. At first, it’s only ankle deep. Then knee deep. Then waist deep. Finally, it becomes a river too deep to cross.
The source never changes.
The depth does.
And with every step deeper into the river, something changes—not only in the water, but in the person walking through it.
God Doesn’t Leave You in the Shallows
The river begins with a trickle.
It isn’t impressive. It doesn’t look life-changing. In fact, it would be easy to overlook.
That’s how many of God’s greatest works begin.
Small acts of obedience.
Quiet seasons of faithfulness.
Simple moments of trust.
We often despise small beginnings because we’re waiting for dramatic breakthroughs. But God rarely starts with the spectacular. He starts by inviting us to take the next step.
Don’t underestimate what feels insignificant today.
The shallow water isn’t the destination—it’s the invitation.
Growth Requires Movement
The water only gets deeper because Ezekiel keeps walking.
Every thousand cubits, God leads him farther.
He doesn’t stand still waiting for the river to rise around him.
Many of us want deeper faith without deeper surrender.
We want greater purpose without greater obedience.
But spiritual growth isn’t passive. It requires movement.
Every season asks us one question:
Will you keep following, even when the next step feels uncomfortable?
The Current Is Shaping You
When the water reaches your knees, something changes.
Now you can feel the current.
You begin to realize that following God isn’t always comfortable. There is resistance. There are challenges. Old habits surface. Pride is exposed. Patience is tested.
It can feel like life has become harder.
But perhaps what you’re experiencing isn’t opposition.
Perhaps it’s formation.
God often uses the current to smooth the rough edges in our character.
The relationships that stretch us.
The seasons that humble us.
The disappointments that teach us dependence.
They’re not always obstacles.
Sometimes they’re God’s workshop.
Multiplication Begins Where Control Ends
When the water reaches your waist, you can no longer rely entirely on your own strength.
The river becomes stronger than you.
This is where many people become uncomfortable.
Because we like being in control.
We like knowing the outcome before we obey.
We like having enough resources before we step out.
But God’s greatest work rarely happens while we’re holding tightly to control.
It happens when we surrender.
When we admit that His strength is greater than ours.
When we stop trying to carry the mission ourselves and allow His Spirit to carry us.
This is where real multiplication begins.
Not because we become stronger.
But because we finally trust the One who is.
Everywhere God’s River Flows, Life Appears
Ezekiel’s vision ends with an incredible promise.
Wherever the river flows, everything lives.
Dead waters become fresh.
Trees bear fruit every month.
Their leaves bring healing.
Life follows God’s presence.
This is more than a picture of personal growth.
It’s a picture of our calling.
God doesn’t simply want us to experience His life.
He wants His life to flow through us.
The deeper we go with Him, the more people around us experience His hope, His healing, His peace, and His love.
The goal was never simply to become a deeper Christian.
The goal was to become a river that carries His life wherever you go.
Go Deeper This Week
Where have you become comfortable?
Have you settled for ankle-deep faith when God is inviting you into deeper trust?
Instead of asking God to make life easier, ask Him to take you deeper.
Don’t resist the current.
Don’t cling to control.
Don’t stop where it feels safe.
Keep following.
Because the deepest places with God are also the places where His life flows most powerfully through you.
Wherever His river flows…
Everything lives.
By Pastor Lorenzo DellaForesta