Sometimes You Have to Dig the Ditches First

"'But now bring me a musician.' Then it happened, when the musician played, that the hand of the Lord came upon him (Elisha). And he said, 'Thus says the Lord: "Make this valley full of ditches." For thus says the Lord: "You shall not see wind, nor shall you see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, so that you, your cattle, and your animals may drink." And this is a simple matter in the sight of the Lord; He will deliver the Moabites into your hand.'"
(2 Kings 3:15-18)

Israel was embattled with the Moabites. They had marched into a barren area with no water. For seven days the children of God marched with no water for the army nor for their animals. To say the least, they were parched.

Ever feel that way?
Have you ever battled for so long that all you can think about is water, so to speak?

King Jehoram called upon Elisha, the prophet, to beseech the Lord for water on their behalf. Isn't it interesting that Elisha requested a musician before he began to discern the voice of the Lord? When we praise Him, He makes His Spirit known.

What did God, through Elisha, tell them to do? He said, "Make this valley full of ditches."

Full of ditches? Why? There was no water to fill them! Lord, we need water, not ditches!

Don't we always think we know best? **sigh**

The Lord told the Israelites they would neither see wind nor rain, yet the valley would be filled with water. Water! Plenty of water! Enough for every man and beast!

But first they had to dig ditches.
The children of God had to prepare for God's blessing, then trust that He would do what He said He would do.

Have you been waiting on a dream?
Have you stepped out in blind faith, trusting only in the voice of the Lord?
Have you been working hard, walking in obedience to God, but experiencing fatigue and thirst as you wait for what seems to be an eternity?

Lisa TerKeurst of Proverbs 31 Ministries, said, "Sometimes you have to dig a lot of ditches before the Lord sends an unexplainable rush of water to fill those blister-worked places."

The Lord said, "In due season you will reap, if you don't give up." (Galatians 6:9)

Hold fast to your dream.
Do the work as God directs.

And wait expectantly for that "unexplainable rush of water to fill those blister-worked places."

Lord, It is so hard to wait!! I know better than to pray for patience, but I am very thankful for Your grace. Give us strength to hang on to our dreams, to do the work you require and then to wait for you to send the fulfillment. When we want to question, satisfy our longings with Your Spirit. Help us to think on those things that are lovely, pure and worthy of praise as we wait for you. Thank You, Father.