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17 For thus says the Lord, ‘You shall not see wind or rain, but that streambed shall be filled with water, so that you shall drink, you, your livestock, and your animals.’ 18 This is a light thing in the sight of the Lord. He will also give the Moabites into your hand, 19 and you shall attack every fortified city and every choice city, and shall fell every good tree and stop up all springs of water and ruin every good piece of land with stones.” 20 The next morning, about the time of offering the sacrifice, behold, water came from the direction of Edom, till the country was filled with water.
This week we’ve read the story of people in great desperation. In the time of great drought, they faced a pending war. We see that when their backs are up against the wall – without water and without a strategic plan – they finally turn toward one who might be able to help. They cry out to God through the prophet Elisha. When God shows up, he tells them to “dig ditch after ditch in [the valley]” (2 Kings 3:16 HCSB). What a ridiculous request! Doesn’t God realize they’re in a valley in the middle of a wilderness. They hadn’t seen rain in months and even if they did, a valley is already ready to hold water. Why would they need more ditches?
Ironically, the times our backs are up against the wall are the times we run to God. The times we run to God, are the times we most clearly hear his voice. And, the times we hear his seemingly ridiculous voice and obey, are the times when God’s glory is on display and his blessing floods our life. Just look again at this passage. “This is a light thing in the sight of the Lord” (2 Kings 3:18). God’s glory is not difficult to show off. He’s one of the best story tellers ever and he’s not stingy with his blessing for those who trust him to show up.
Through this story, all of Israel, Judah, Edom, Moab, and beyond witnessed the blessing of partnering with God on your side. So it is in our lives. Others witness God’s story as we partner by faith – trusting God to show up in mighty and abundant ways. When we step out in faith, we dig ditches of obedience, trusting God to show up with the result. In return, we get the blessing of an incredible story – not glorifying the dig-diggers, but exalting the magnificence of the God who makes them overflow with his divine and everlasting blessing. Today, reflect on a time when you put in the hard work to obey God and he blessed your ditch-digging effort with a blessing that made your heart overflow.[/vc_column_text][us_separator height=”25px” size=”custom”][vc_column_text]
By Yvonne Biel
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