Don't drink the water

A long time ago, a friend of mine told me a story. My friend was the type of person most did not want to be around. He was socially disconnected in some areas but there is wisdom to this story. It sort went like this (My memory is not what it used to be)

There was a man who moved into a community. The man noticed that the people were a bit odd. When the man tried the water he discovered it wasn't very good. In fact, it made him feel odd. So he stopped drinking it and told others not to drink it. But the people just laughed at him. He kept trying to warn them that the water was making them do crazy things. At first the people were patient then became annoyed, claiming he was crazy, and they didn't speak to the man.

The man lived alongside the people watching them get crazier and crazier but he still resisted. This went on for some time and finally the man realized he was tired of being alone. He wanted to be with others. And even though he knew the water would make him crazy- he drank it anyway.

I am beginning to see some prophecy in this story. Tie in our current circumstances in this world and see that we are all close to drinking the water. Maybe it isn't crazy water but water of fear. Fear of poverty, disease, hunger and natural disaster. Fear is driving us to give up our freedom. Fear is taking our eyes off of Jesus and looking to man to be the answer. Fear is causing us to give up willingly our freedom to be safe. Sadly, this loss of freedom will steal our safety. Fear is destroying us and if you don't drink the water, you are seen as out of touch or a trouble maker.

Question is an old one: How long can you keep from drinking the water? 1 John 4:13-21 speaks on the subject of fear. We need to trust in the Lord. We need to see some of the things happening as warnings and turn to Jesus not to man. We need to burden our hearts with the things burdening others but look to the Lord for the answers. As we do this we see His hand in everything. We will look odd to the world because we have not turned to man for the answers.
I know this because fear has been a driving force in my life. I have gone to the feet of Jesus many times and gained strength from Him. When my flesh wants to run, my soul says stay....stand your ground because within you dwells the victor!Jesus.

My biggest prayer right now is that we don't run and lose our freedom but we stand an call upon Jesus!He is the healer, provider and ruler of the world!