Naomi experienced it when she set out on the road to Bethlehem (Ruth 1).
Moses faced it at the burning bush (Exodus 3).
The Apostle Paul experienced it when he was arrested in Jerusalem (Acts 21).
There are moments in life when everything changes.
We use the word ‘watershed’ to describe pivotal moments of life-change—but it is also a geographic term. [1]
A watershed is a location. And I believe this is a prophetic picture the Holy Spirit is using to encourage many of us today.
What is a Watershed?
Imagine you are sitting on a crest—a high point on a mountain or hill—and on one side of that ridge, the river runs one way, and on the other side, due to the direction of the slope, water flows the other way.
Now, the river you were following has split in two.
- Perhaps, you can choose between the two directions
- Maybe you are forced—due to the environment—to take a different direction to that which you anticipated
This is a type of watershed.
And it’s a picture of pivotal moments in life, where up until now, your life has moved in one direction. But now, you find yourself at a critical juncture.
Perhaps, change came suddenly. It may have been caused by something that was out of your control. Or, you may have seen change coming for some time.
Part of your future may be held in mystery, but your Father, who is the Author of your story, knows what is up ahead.
And He is good.
At the Watershed: Release and Move Onwards
In life, just because something comes to a natural end, doesn’t make it any less painful. Or the brokenness any less real.
A watershed can happen simply because there is a change in your stage of life—or that of others around you.
Brokenness occurs when two or more parts that were once together, are no longer joined. Change has taken place and things will never be the same again:
- What was once harmonious, is now incompatible
Taking time in God’s Presence to acknowledge what you have lost, may be the most powerful thing you can do right now.
There are times to give ourselves permission (because our Father does) to grieve over what will never be the same.
- It positions you to receive God’s comfort (2 Cor 1:3-4)
- In that place of truth, you receive courage from Him to embrace the journey ahead
As David wrote,
‘…weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning’ (Psalm 30:5b, NIV)
It is your watershed moment.
Take Hold of Your Father’s Promise at the Watershed
At the watershed, God gives you a promise:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jer 29:11, NIV)
Your Father hasn’t forgotten you, or His promises towards you. And He hasn’t been taken by surprise.
The watershed heralds the new move of God for your life. You are assured He has given you a hope and a future.
At the watershed, you are receiving courage to dream again.
Power is Released as You Begin to Reach Forwards
Any journey of faith requires two actions. And you will find these at the place of watershed:
- One action is to leave behind the things of the past
- And the second is to reach forward to what is to come
‘Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?’ (Isaiah 43:18-19, NIV)
At the Watershed, You are Invited to go Deeper
‘…where the river flows everything will live.’ (Ezek 47:9b)
During the Prophet Ezekiel’s time, many of the Jews are in exile. Back in their homeland, Solomon’s temple has been ransacked, then destroyed—leaving them without their place of worship.
In a watershed encounter with God, the Holy Spirit enables Ezekiel to see from a different perspective. A Heavenly perspective.
He sees a new temple, filled with the glory of God, and a river of life flowing from God’s Presence (Ezek 47).
As the river goes further, it goes deeper.
Today, at whatever your watershed may be, hear your Father’s invitation to go deeper with Him.
No matter what turn your life has taken, the River of His Spirit is available to you. There is life. There is wonder. Healing and fruitfulness is up ahead.
And many people are going to encounter God because at the watershed, you said ‘yes’ to Him.
Notes:
[1] See_https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/watershed
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Our God is the God of hope! I love that in the river of His Spirit, there is life, wonder, healing and fruitfulness. Thank you Helen for the insight!
I’m glad it encouraged you, Ji!
I want to specially thank you for your timely encouragements they come at a time when i am in need of direction and answers . I must add that the tone of the letters are that of Holy Spirit and makes it more readily for one to recieve . May our God continue to bless you and keep you close to Him .
Hi Helen, Going through a difficult time with our daughter at the moment. This gives me SUCH HOPE in the midst of a transitional sifting of my heart and hers. I look to my God from where my help comes from! Only He has the answers to these changes.
I certainly relate… and this has lifted my spirit and increased my faith. Its a confirmation from God that I chose right. I’m 32 years old and I was in a relationship with a man who’s ways was pulling me away from the presence of God. He was born again but still stongly believed in doing the zulu culture, which included ancestors etc. It became so heavy on me. He started speaking of marriage. That was so heavy on me because I knew that marrying him would mean that I also perform all those rituals. I loved him alot.. and only ever imagined having a family with him. It was hard. The hardest thing I ever had to do..
I had to break it off with him. Its been six months now since we broke off. I’ve never felt such peace, my relationship with God has been restored and so much closer to Him. I feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. I love and laugh more. This walk is what I wouldn’t trade for the world. I love Jesus with all my heart so much. I love the Holy spirit and I had missed Him so much. I wish I could tell all the young people to guard against defiling the covenant they have with God. Everyday I thank God for His mercy on my life.. I fear living without God.
Thank you Helen for releasing this very timely word. This is confirmation for me…every scripture reference, etc.
Helen, this spoke to me. I’m in a season where I feel like I’m no longer finding a lot of common ground with the people around me because we are on different stages of our life journeys. Was really sad about it for a while but this word gave me so much hope. Thank you and God bless you sister! 🙂
Good morning Helen. This is not just a message of encouragement to me but a Prophetic Word…THANK YOU!!! It is a confirmation of what has been spoken to me by GOD. The past few months has been challenging to my family and me to say the least, but this divine comfort confirmation gives me a renewed comfort. I believe this is a Watershed Word. I look forward to sharing our testimony with you. Keep us in prayer. You are in ours.
GOD BLESS
Many times I read your blogs and I am truly amazed at how God uses you to speak directly to me. The “Watershed” was speaking to me right now for this season of my life. It makes me realize God truly sees me and wants to bring some understanding to me where I am today. I lost my mother about a year and a half ago. I have spent the time since her death settling her estate. It was a very difficult task due to her owning a few businesses. Now I have found myself on the other side of it all not fully knowing how to feel and what to do. This blog gave me some answers I needed. Thank you for your obedience to share what God gives you.
Such wonderful prophetic words. It’s so cool how this is literally going on in my life right now. I’ve been seeing the change nesiscary for a better life for me. I’ve already started embracing the water shed moment. So happy to have this to confirm and comfort.