Clearing the Stones of Isolation
When the stones are removed, the well flows freely, just as love flows unhindered when the Spirit has His way.
Devotional Credit: Open Windows by T. Austin-Sparks
Photo Credit: Unsplash
T. Austin-Sparks invites us to look honestly at what often clogs the flow of Jesus’ life within us. He points to the subtle ways the enemy introduces self-love, worldliness, or even hurt feelings to block the Spirit’s free course. Many times the issue is not an obvious sin but something quieter, such as unkind thoughts toward fellow believers, resentment, or even timid withdrawal. These hindrances may seem small, yet they weigh heavily, like stones dropped into a well. They obstruct the fellowship through which the Spirit delights to work.
Sparks reminds us that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of fellowship. To hold bitterness, indifference, or even habitual distance from God’s family is to stifle His activity. He shows us that Christian living is not an independent pursuit but a shared life, a team order in which each member contributes. To ignore this interdependence is to miss the richness of God’s design. Our calling is not only to avoid offense but to actively pursue love and cultivate fellowship.
The devotional presses into our natural tendencies. Some of us prefer to walk alone, believing it simpler or safer. Others avoid participation out of shyness or fear. Sparks challenges us to see that these tendencies, while not outwardly harmful, can rest like stones on the wellspring of life within us. When we refuse to offer our presence, our gifts, or our encouragement to others, we hold back the flow of the Spirit’s fullness.
The message is practical and freeing. God does not leave us to guess what pleases Him. His Word instructs us clearly to love one another, to esteem each other, and to live in shared devotion. In yielding to this calling, we do not risk losing ourselves but instead discover the Spirit’s abundance flowing unhindered. Sparks helps us see that fellowship is not a burdensome duty but the joyful path of giving the Spirit His rightful course in our lives.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
My child, do not think of yourself as separate or detached, for I have placed you into My family. The life of Jesus within you is meant to flow outward in love and fellowship. When you cling to resentment, when you withdraw in fear, or when you exalt independence, you place stones over the well of living water I have set within you.
Remember, I have called you to esteem others more highly than yourself. I have made you a member of one body, joined together in My Spirit. The unity of My people is precious to Me, and when you yield to love, My Spirit flows freely through you.
Do not fear stepping forward to offer yourself. I will guide you, correct you if you stray, and hold you when you falter. What I ask of you is not self-assertion but surrender. Open the well. Remove the stones of pride, fear, and self-protection. Allow My life to move unhindered, and you will find joy in fellowship, peace in service, and strength in shared devotion.
Scripture References: Galatians 5:13, John 7:38, Philippians 2:3-4, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Romans 12:10, Colossians 3:12-15, Ephesians 4:1-6, Hebrews 10:24-25, John 13:34-35.
Real-Life Analogy
Think of a kitchen sink with a slow drain. At first, the water trickles down with no trouble, but over time bits of food and grease collect and clog the pipe. The sink itself is fine, but the buildup blocks the flow. Once the clog is cleared, the water runs freely again. Fellowship is like that. When we allow resentment, indifference, or fear to settle in our hearts, it builds up like debris in a drain. But when we humbly clear it away through love and openness, the Spirit’s life flows freely through us again.
Today, if I sense that something is clogging the flow of fellowship, I can quietly say, “Lord, I trust You to live Your life through me right now, clearing away what hinders love.” Whether it is offering kindness to a family member, encouragement to a coworker, or openness to a brother or sister in Christ, I can rest in His Spirit to express love through me.
Prayer of Confidence
Lord, I thank You that Your Spirit within me is a fountain of life that never runs dry. I rejoice that You have already placed me in Your family and given me the gift of fellowship. I rest in Your provision that every stone of fear, pride, or hurt has no lasting power to clog the well of Your life in me. Thank You that as I yield to You, love flows freely, fellowship deepens, and joy abounds.