“And [Elisha] said, “This is what the Lord says: I will fill this valley with pools of water. 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 3:16-17
“The armies of the three kings were famishing for want of water: God was about to send it, and in these words the prophet announced the coming blessing. Here was a case of human helplessness: not a drop of water could all the valiant men procure from the skies or find in the wells of earth. Thus often the people of the Lord are at their wits’ end; they see the vanity of the creature, and learn experimentally where their help is to be found. Still the people were to make a believing preparation for the divine blessing; they were to dig the trenches in which the precious liquid would be held.
The church must by her varied agencies, efforts, and prayers, make herself ready to be blessed; she must make the pools, and the Lord will fill them. This must be done in faith, in the full assurance that the blessing is about to descend. By-and-by there was a singular bestowal of the needed boon. Not as in Elijah’s case did the shower pour from the clouds, but in a silent and mysterious manner the pools were filled. The Lord has His own sovereign modes of action: He is not tied to manner and time as we are, but doeth as He pleases among the sons of men. It is ours thankfully to receive from Him, and not to dictate to Him.
We must also notice the remarkable abundance of the supply — there was enough for the need of all. And so it is in the gospel blessing; all the wants of the congregation and of the entire church shall be met by the divine power in answer to prayer; and above all this, victory shall be speedily given to the armies of the Lord. What am I doing for Jesus? What trenches am I digging? O Lord, make me ready to receive the blessing which thou art so willing to bestow.”
Charles Haddon Spurgeon in Morning and Evening, Evening Reading for 16 May.
Notice that Elisha relays a message of abundant supply coming in mysterious ways. In a place of “human helplessness” God will supply abundant blessing.
Spurgeon calls us to make the pools and dig the trenches. It’s a great picture. I am learning that the best givers take a posture of receiving the blessing from God.
For some it is spiritual blessing. They soak it up like a sponge to enjoy and share like refreshing water to a thirsty person. For others it is material blessing.
Perhaps the lesson for us today in dry times is this. Let us echo the words of Elisha. God can and will supply. We need to be prepared but realize it may come in unanticipated ways.
And it will be enough for everyone. With Elijah, God sent rain. With Elisha, God filled pools. Thank you God for supplying what we need for our enjoyment and sharing generously.