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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© 2018 Helen Calder Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching
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In the David McCracken Ministries family
Helen Calder is a prophetic minister and writer, and founder of Enliven Ministries. Helen has a unique gift of equipping in prophetic ministry and prayer. She is known for Enliven Blog (est. 2009), an online resource that reaches thousands of people globally.

Thank you for this word! I have felt lately in the Spirit that this type of “watershed” turning and change and new direction is coming into my life very soon – something God prophesied over me four years ago is now coming to fulfillment, but the sense I have in the Spirit is “bittersweet” – there is much joy over what is coming, but also a sense of grieving over what is lost – or has moved on. This word is an encouraging confirmation of what I believe is coming to me in the next few weeks/months.
Thank you for your faithfulness in hearing Him!
Hi Prophetess Helen
I want to thank You about the prophecy that you are giving to me.These days I am in the financial constraints due to the New Car I bought in December last year, on May it has been smashed badly by someone I do not know because I have been told about it I did not see it myself as from there I have been exposed to huge debts I cannot manage until to date. after that I met someone Here who is calling herself an Angels Medium and she claims that she can make me to communicate with my Guardian Angel and after that I will win the Huge amount in whatever competition may take place as long as I follow her Instructions but I never worn anything till to date but I was scared to do as she was instructed me to do her Rituals and those Rituals were involving needles, candles ,green sewing threads and other fearful things. Prophetess tell me is this still things from God?
but now I remembered that there is something God invested that are coming for me as you said.
Thank You
Moses
Hi Helen.Thank you very much for another encouraging words.I believe you are talking to me again.I am the one who experiencing the watershed right now.It’s not easy for one to forget what someone did to you for the past three years,but our father in heaven is saying that we should forgive those who’ve hurt us so that he can also forgive us.I know his plans for me is not to hurt me but to prosper me.I choose to forgive and forget and see what is these new thing that is coming.HILDA MOKHELE
Helen,
Thank you for your prophetic ministry. I am blessed and encoraged each time I read your Enliven blog. I am currently experiencing a Watershed moment. I have left my hometown and recently moved to a new city. I was lead by God to leave behind the old/familiar and invited to go deeper in my faith with God on this new journey. Your words are in line with what my Pastor is preahing. Thank you. I pray that God will continue to use you mightily for his kingdom and for his glory.
Thanks Helen, I am following every cross of “t” and dots of “i” in this prophetic exposition. I have never thought of “watershed” before, but looking it up in my dictionary, I am scared to the marrow! This is what I found out:
A critical turning point in time where everything changes that will never be the same as before.
just as you put it. What scare me is most is; if one doesn’t know this, doesn’t have knowledge of it, but KEEP ON PRAYING TO CHANGE IT, WHAT A TERRIBLE IGNORANCE WILL THAT BE! Now my question Helen, How long should a christian, or prophet-in-making pray before knowing, or hearing God’s directives on matters?
Thanks very much. You are a blessing to souls.
I am Blessed, Thank you!