RIVERS IN THE DESERT

Title: RIVERS IN THE DESERT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Isaiah 43:19
Supporting Texts: Isaiah 41:18, Psalm 107:35, John 7:38, Ezekiel 47:1-9

INTRODUCTION:
In the natural world, deserts are dry, barren, and lifeless places. Spiritually, deserts symbolise seasons of hardship, emptiness, and stagnation. Yet, God promises to make rivers in the desert, bringing life, refreshing, and transformation to the most desolate circumstances. This message explores how God provides supernatural breakthroughs even in the most challenging seasons of life.

1. GOD SPECIALISES IN MAKING IMPOSSIBILITIES POSSIBLE

a) God Creates Pathways Where None Exist:
Isaiah 43:19 assures us that God can do a new thing by providing rivers in deserts and making a way in the wilderness.

b) He Transforms Hopeless Situations:
God delights in turning barren places into flourishing fields (Isaiah 41:18).

c) He Supplies Needs Supernaturally:
Just as He provided water for the Israelites in the wilderness, God still meets needs in miraculous ways (Exodus 17:6).

d) He Reverses Natural Laws for His People:
Rivers in deserts defy natural expectations, highlighting God's power to override the natural order.

Biblical Example: The Red Sea parted for the Israelites, creating a pathway where there was none (Exodus 14:21-22).

2. RIVERS SYMBOLISE GOD'S ABUNDANT PROVISION

a) Rivers Represent Life and Renewal:
Water brings life to all it touches, and God’s provision renews and refreshes weary souls (Psalm 23:2).

b) They Signify Overflowing Blessings:
God’s rivers provide more than enough to sustain and bless His people abundantly (John 7:38).

c) Rivers Indicate Spiritual Nourishment:
Just as rivers nourish the earth, God nourishes His people through His Word and Spirit (Psalm 1:3).

d) They Symbolise Continuous Flow:
Unlike stagnant water, rivers keep flowing, signifying God’s unending provision and faithfulness.

Biblical Example: In Ezekiel 47:1-9, the river flowing from the temple brings healing and life wherever it goes.

3. GOD BRINGS RIVERS IN THE DESERT TO DISPLAY HIS GLORY

a) God's Miracles Display His Power:
The miraculous provision of rivers in deserts showcases God’s might and sovereignty (Isaiah 41:20).

b) His Works Inspire Worship and Gratitude:
When God provides, it leads His people to glorify and praise Him (Psalm 107:35-38).

c) He Demonstrates His Faithfulness to His Covenant:
God honours His promises to bless and sustain His people even in difficult times (Deuteronomy 7:9).

d) Miracles in Deserts Become Testimonies:
Testimonies of God’s provision in dry seasons inspire faith and hope in others.

Biblical Example: The provision of manna and water in the wilderness displayed God’s glory to the Israelites (Exodus 16:12-15).

4. HOW TO ACCESS GOD'S RIVERS IN YOUR DESERT

a) Trust in God's Promises:
Believe that God is able and willing to provide for you even in impossible situations (Proverbs 3:5-6).

b) Stay Connected to the Source:
Jesus is the Living Water, and abiding in Him ensures you experience His refreshing presence (John 4:14).

c) Pray for Divine Intervention:
Ask God to intervene in your desert season and bring forth rivers of blessings (Philippians 4:6).

d) Maintain an Attitude of Praise and Thanksgiving:
Worship shifts your focus from the desert to God’s ability to provide (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Biblical Example: Elijah’s prayer brought rain to a drought-stricken land, demonstrating God’s power to provide (1 Kings 18:41-45).

5. BENEFITS OF RIVERS IN YOUR DESERT

a) Spiritual Refreshing:
God’s provision renews your strength and restores your soul during dry seasons (Isaiah 40:31).

b) Fruitfulness and Productivity:
Rivers in deserts turn barren lives into flourishing ones (Psalm 92:12-14).

c) Healing and Restoration:
Just as water brings healing to the land, God’s provision restores broken lives and situations (Jeremiah 30:17).

d) Unstoppable Progress:
With God’s rivers, you can thrive and move forward regardless of the circumstances (Isaiah 35:6-7).

Biblical Example: The Samaritan woman experienced spiritual transformation after encountering Jesus, the Living Water (John 4:13-15).

CONCLUSION:
God’s promise to make rivers in the desert is a guarantee of His ability to provide life, hope, and blessings even in the most challenging times. Trust Him to bring refreshing and transformation to every dry area of your life. When you rely on God, your desert will become a place of abundance and testimony.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, bring rivers of provision into every dry area of my life.

2. I declare that my life will flourish even in challenging seasons.

3. Father, turn my wilderness into a fruitful field.

4. Lord, let Your rivers of living water flow through me.

5. I reject every spirit of lack and barrenness in my life.

6. Father, showcase Your glory through miraculous provision in my life.

7. Lord, help me to trust in Your unfailing promises.

8. Refresh my spirit, soul, and body with Your living water.

9. I declare unstoppable progress and productivity in my life.

10. Lord, let my life be a testimony of Your provision and faithfulness.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. Rivers of blessings will flow into every dry area of your life.

2. You will thrive and flourish even in the most challenging seasons.

3. God will turn your wilderness into a place of fruitfulness and joy.

4. Your life will reflect God’s glory through His miraculous provisions.

5. Every barren situation in your life will become productive.

6. The Lord will refresh and renew your strength daily.

7. You will experience supernatural breakthroughs in every area of need.

8. God will showcase His power through your testimony.

9. You will move from stagnation to unstoppable progress.

10. Your desert season will become a place of abundance and overflow.