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
Enliven Ministries
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.
This is amazingly on Time for me!!! I recently had a change happen that was out of my control and it left me brokenhearted. This Word has given me hope and excitement for what God has in store for me and what He will do with my YES!!!
God greatly bless you Helen. Whenever I start wavering on the purpose of a very critical decision I’ve made , GOD has used you through your prophetic insight to minister to me and to confirm and reaffirm me that I’m in the right direction.It hasn’t been easy but I keep trusting that God is leading the way . In obedience to His promptings ,I’ve felt both joy and grief because it’s never easy to leave family .But one thing I am sure .Jesus is the way,the truth and life.Glory be to God.Alleluia!
This is really a prophetic word for me, at one time I thought you were talking to me personally. Thank God for his word, I will hold on to it in Jesus name.
Thanks Helen.
Hi everyone, I’m away ministering at the moment and not able to answer individually, but I’m reading each one and praying with you all. May you know Heaven is breaking loose over your place of watershed. Our Father is never short of a plan or provision and I’m believing with you for the revelation of what – and where – these are for you.
Thank you for giving what I am going through a name “Watershed “. I asked God to remove from me whatever is not of Him. He has taken me back through my past hurts and I have relieved them, then He removes them from me. I no longer remember the hurt. I no longer have the hate, the anger, the bitterness. He has washed me clean. It was a turnaround time a watershed moment in my life. I am set free and greave no more over my past, but now look to my future. Praise be to God!
Thank you for giving what I have just gone through a name. I asked God to take from me anything that was not of Him. He had me relive my past hurts then He healed me of them. I am no longer bitter, angry or filled with hate. He washed me clean. Now my life is going in a new direction and I am able to walk in my purpose. I have shed my past and live for the present and future He has planned for me.