Three armies were dying of thirst. God was about to send water, and through these words the prophet announced the coming rescue. Here was absolute human helplessness—all those brave warriors together could not squeeze a single drop from the sky or find it in the wells. Thus the people of God often find themselves at their wits' end. They see how useless human strength really is. They learn by hard experience where their help must be found.

But notice this: the people still had work to do. They had to prepare in faith for the blessing that was coming. They had to dig ditches to hold the water God would send. The church must do the same. Through her ministries, her efforts, her prayers—she must make herself ready to receive what God wants to give. We dig the ditches. God fills them. But we must dig in faith, absolutely certain the blessing is on its way.

And then came the miracle. But not like in Elijah's day, when rain poured from the clouds. No, this time the ditches filled silently, mysteriously. The Lord has his own sovereign ways of working. He is not bound by our methods or our timetables. He does what he pleases among the children of men. Our job is to receive with thanksgiving, not to give him instructions.

And look at the abundance! There was enough water for everyone. Every thirst was satisfied. This is how it works with the gospel blessing too. Every need in the congregation, every lack in the whole church, will be met by divine power in answer to prayer. And beyond that—God will give victory to his armies.

So the question burns: What am I doing for Jesus? What ditches am I digging? O Lord, make me ready to receive the blessing you are so eager to pour out.