When Water Teaches Faith

Dear Reader,

Today a friend shared two quotes attributed to Bruce Lee: “Be flexible so you can change with change,” and “Be water, my friend.” Though spoken in the context of martial arts and philosophy, both point toward a spiritual truth I have come to appreciate.

Both quotes echo a spiritual and philosophical principle: growth requires adaptability.

In recovery we often say, “Acceptance is the answer to all my problems today.” The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous also reminds us that we have “a daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual condition.”

Water adapts to every container, flows around obstacles, and persists without losing its nature. Water is yielding, yet powerful. It does not argue with the rock; it simply finds another way. In time, even the hardest stone is shaped by its gentle persistence. That image beautifully illustrates spiritual resilience.

In my own experience, survival began when I finally admitted the unmanageability of my life and became willing to turn the self-inflicted chaos over to a God of my understanding. That surrender gave me the flexibility to begin living a life free from alcohol and drugs.

Sobriety was only the beginning. The deeper miracle unfolded as I continued through the remaining Steps. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrote, “Life belongs to the living, and he who lives must be prepared for changes.” For me, that change began with recognizing the character defects that blocked my growth and sharing them honestly with trusted friends and the ever-present God of my understanding.

Through honest self-examination, I gained the flexibility to stop resisting the obstacles before me. Making amends and righting wrongs broke the chains of fear and inadequacy, allowing me to meet others as a whole person. I could bend, join the flow around me, and experience the gift of belonging.

With every change there are also constants. I think of our Higher Power and of Jesus Christ. They do not change in Their love, mercy, or willingness to help us. It is precisely because They are unchanging that we are able to change.

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” — Hebrews 13:8

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

“Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” — Romans 12:2

God rarely asks us to remain the same person He first called. He asks us to remain faithful while becoming someone new.

Faith is not resisting change; it is trusting God enough to change with Him.

Perhaps becoming “like water” does not mean losing who we are. Rather, it means becoming willing to let God shape who we are becoming. When we stop resisting His hand, we discover that flexibility is not weakness—it is one of the greatest strengths a disciple can possess.

Amen.

🙏🧘‍♂️💕🤗☮️