Have you stopped digging too soon?

"One of the more obscure miracles God performed through the prophet Elisha was the miracle of the ditches...Elisha said, “This is what the LORD says: Make this valley full of ditches. You will not see wind or rain, but this valley will be filled with water. You, your cattle, and your other animals will drink.  The LORD considers that an easy thing to do. In addition, he will put Moab at your mercy."       (2 Kings 3:16-17)  

The setting was an alliance of the three kings of Judah, Israel, and Edom formed to fight against the king of Moab. The only king of the three who was attentive to the things of God was Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah. This coalition army found themselves in a dry valley with thirst about to destroy both the men and the animals.
 
The king of Israel said, “Oh no! The LORD has put the three of us at the mercy of the people of Moab.” But Jehoshaphat asked, “Isn’t there a prophet of the LORD whom we could ask?” One of the officials answered, “Elisha, the son of Shaphat, is here.” Jehoshaphat said, “The LORD’s word is with him.” So King Jehoshaphat of Judah, the king of Israel, and the king of Edom went to Elisha.   (2 Kings 3:10-12)

Elisha commanded that ditches be dug in the dry valley in preparation for the miracle that God would give. Early the next morning the ditches were all filled to overflowing.

What can we learn from this miracle?
(1) God requires us to make preparation for receiving a miracle
(2) making preparation may not be easy
(3) the miracle may be limited to the depth of the preparation

God is not limited by us, but often He will go no further than we are willing to go.

What small thing is God asking of you in preparation for your miracle?
Have you stopped digging too soon?"


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from "Is It Time to Start Digging?"--an article on pastors.com written by R.E. Clark