If you have ever visited Palm Springs, California, you will see a series of concrete channels. While this desert region only receives between 2-5 inches of rainfall annually, these man made ditches serve a purpose. When the rare storm hits this area, water quickly runs off of the surrounding San Jacinto mountains into the Coachella Valley. Without these flood canals, portions of the city would be washed away. Although an eye sore to residents and visitors at times, the construction of these ditches collect and restore water levels to this oasis in southern California.
But now bring me a harpist.” While the harpist was playing, the hand of the Lord came on Elisha 16 and he said, “This is what the Lord says: I will fill this valley with pools of water. 17 For this is what the Lord says: You will see neither wind nor rain, yet this valley will be filled with water, and you, your cattle and your other animals will drink, 2 Kings 3:15-17.
During the reign of Jehoshaphat, the prophet Elisha visits the king of Judea. Asking for a musician, the melody of a harpist inspires a prophecy from the Lord. Unusual at first, God commands Judea to dig at ditch in the middle of a desert. Void of air conditioning and state of the art construction equipment, citizens began this project by hand and whatever tools available. Similar to the springs underneath the desert in California, water began to fill each ditch dug. When God asks you to do something that doesn’t make sense, sometimes you have to exercise your faith until you see the benefits of your hard labor.
For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable, Romans 11:29.
Unfortunately, many people don’t receive special gifts or unique callings. Rather, you have to grind your way through life, often blindly trusting God through confusing and dark periods. Like Dory’s character in the Finding Nemo film, instead of following her just keep swimming command, God wants his followers to keep digging. This may get boring from time to time, but you never know when you are going to hit gold. Therefore, keep the faith as what God is doing through you is more than just digging a ditch. As long as you remain faithful, springs of joy are bound to rise up at any moment.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 