Digging Ditches
by Jilly Lyon-Taylor
Apologies for the duplicate devotional which was sent out yesterday by mistake.
In 2 Kings 3 we read the account of the kings of Israel, Judah and Edom joining forces to attack Moab. They had set off to march through the desert, and after seven days going round in a circle they had no water left for themselves or their animals. Only then did they remember to enquire of the Lord, and they did this through Elisha the prophet. The instructions they received from the Lord through Elisha might have seemed strange to them: they were to fill the valley with ditches. This they obviously did, and the following morning God supernaturally sent water (without rain) and the ditches filled with water.
What this story shows us first of all is that it would have been better to have enquired of the Lord before setting off! Then they might have avoided the predicament they were in. Without God we can soon find ourselves going round in circles in a desert with our resources dried up!
Secondly, when God supernaturally provides for us, He often requires us to do our part and not just sit passively waiting for His divine intervention. He required them to dig ditches to prepare for the water that was to come. They would have needed faith to do that (particularly as they were in a desert!), and obedience to follow the instructions. Sometimes there are things that God requires us to do in preparation for the blessing that He is going to pour out. In relationships, for instance, we may have to make an effort to ‘dig some ditches’ so that God can come and pour in His renewing love. In our relationship with God we also have to put in time and effort – setting aside time to spend with Him, being disciplined to read the Bible, sacrificing the things that our flesh may be crying out for and doing the difficult things that He may be asking of us. As we ‘dig ditches’ in that way, we prepare ourselves to receive the blessing that God longs to pour out on His children.
Are you thirsty for a fresh outpouring of God’s Spirit today? Are there things that He is requiring of you first?
Prayer: Lord, please show me if there are any ‘ditches’ I need to dig today to prepare to receive the blessing you have for me, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Jilly Lyon-Taylor is part of the Leadership Team at Ellel Pierrepont. She worked in publishing and then with children in Hong Kong before concentrating on being a full-time mother and serving in the local church. Her desire to see people healed led her to the Luke Nine Eleven Training Scheme(NETS) at Pierrepont, and now she teaches and ministers there.
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