Digging Ditches: Faith in Action for Blessings
Summary
In life, we often find ourselves facing disappointments and dry moments that challenge our faith and resolve. Yet, in these times, it is crucial to remember that God's promises are steadfast and true. God assures us that we can experience joy that is unshakable, peace that transcends understanding, and abundance in our lives. We are promised forgiveness, freedom, and safety in His arms. Healing and holiness are not just possibilities but certainties on our horizon.
However, God's way of bringing about these promises often defies our logic. He may instruct us to take actions that seem counterintuitive, such as digging ditches in a desert when we are desperate for water. This is a powerful metaphor for the faith actions we are called to take in our spiritual lives. The act of digging represents the hard work and faith required to prepare for the blessings God has in store for us. It is a reminder that the greatest blessings often emerge from the driest, most challenging places in our lives.
The lessons we learn in these dry seasons are invaluable; they prepare us for the blessings to come. They drive us to seek God more earnestly, and it is often in our deepest need that we find ourselves most open to His divine intervention. Our current circumstances may seem dire, akin to being without water, but God's provision is always sufficient.
The Bible is replete with examples of faith in action. From the widow's mite to the boy's loaves and fishes, we see that God's miracles often require a step of faith on our part. Whether it's quitting a harmful habit, seeking a better job, or finding a Christian spouse, we must take proactive steps—dig our ditches—so that when God sends the rain, we are ready to receive it.
We are reminded that faith without works is dead. It's not enough to wish for blessings; we must be willing to work for them. This means setting aside our desire for instant gratification and committing to the slow, steady steps that lead to God's sudden blessings. It's about being faithful in the small things, taking one step at a time, and trusting that God will fulfill His promises in His perfect timing.
As a congregation, we are faced with a tangible challenge: the need to raise funds for our church building. This is our opportunity to dig ditches, to give generously, and to trust that God will provide the increase. Our past generosity has laid the groundwork for where we are today, and it is through continued faith and obedience that we will see this project to completion.
In summary, our faith journey is not a passive one. It is active, requiring sweat, sacrifice, and sometimes, the blisters that come before blessings. We must be willing to dig our ditches, to take the steps of faith necessary for God to move mightily in our lives. And when we do, we will witness the sudden outpouring of His blessings, which have been prepared through our slow and steady faithfulness.
Key Takeaways:
- God's promises are not contingent on our circumstances but on His unchanging word. When we face life's deserts, we must hold fast to what God says, not what we see. Our faith is the shovel that prepares us for the divine rain of blessings He has promised. [22:11]
- True faith is visible in action. It is not enough to believe; we must also do. This means taking tangible steps towards the goals and changes we seek in our lives, whether that's personal transformation or contributing to a communal project like our church building. [35:32]
- The principle of sowing and reaping is evident in our generosity. Our past giving paves the way for future blessings. As we give, not only do we bless others, but we also set the stage for God to work abundantly in our own lives. [30:29]
- The journey of faith is marked by perseverance. We must not grow weary in doing good, for at the right time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Our steady, faithful actions will lead to sudden breakthroughs when God declares it is time. [36:38]
- Our response to God's instructions is a testament to our trust in Him. When faced with a 'no' or a delay, our willingness to continue digging ditches—taking steps of faith—demonstrates our belief that God's 'not yet' is a precursor to a mighty 'now.' [38:13]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Kings 3:16-20 (NIV)
> "And he 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. This is an easy thing in the eyes of the Lord; he will also deliver Moab into your hands. You will overthrow every fortified city and every major town. You will cut down every good tree, stop up all the springs, and ruin every good field with stones.' The next morning, about the time for offering the sacrifice, there it was—water flowing from the direction of Edom! And the land was filled with water."
2. James 2:17 (NIV)
> "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
3. Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
> "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
#### Observation Questions
1. What did God instruct the people to do in 2 Kings 3:16-20, and what was the outcome of their obedience?
2. According to James 2:17, what is the relationship between faith and action?
3. In Galatians 6:9, what encouragement does Paul give to those who are doing good?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God chose to provide water in such an unexpected way in 2 Kings 3:16-20? How does this reflect on His character and methods? [24:38]
2. How does the principle of "faith without works is dead" apply to the metaphor of digging ditches in the sermon? [32:39]
3. What does Galatians 6:9 suggest about the nature of perseverance in our faith journey? How does this relate to the sermon’s message about slow and steady faithfulness leading to sudden blessings? [36:38]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a "dry season" in your life. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? How can you apply those lessons to your current situation? [23:30]
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of taking proactive steps of faith, even when they seem counterintuitive. What is one "ditch" you need to dig in your life right now? How can you start this week? [24:38]
3. The pastor mentioned the need for the congregation to raise funds for the church building. How can you contribute to this communal effort, whether through financial giving, volunteering, or prayer? [25:14]
4. Think about a goal or change you want to see in your life. What small, steady steps can you take to move towards that goal, trusting that God will bring the breakthrough in His timing? [32:39]
5. How do you handle disappointments and delays in your faith journey? What can you do to maintain your trust in God’s promises during these times? [38:13]
6. The sermon highlighted the importance of generosity and the principle of sowing and reaping. How can you practice generosity in your daily life, and what impact do you hope it will have on others and yourself? [30:29]
7. Reflect on the idea that our response to God's instructions is a testament to our trust in Him. How can you demonstrate your trust in God through your actions this week, especially in areas where you have received a "no" or a delay? [38:13]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Prepares for Divine Blessings
Faith is not merely a state of mind; it is an active force that propels believers to prepare for the blessings God has promised. Just as a farmer tills the soil before the rain, individuals are called to prepare their hearts and lives for the outpouring of God's favor. This preparation involves not only spiritual readiness but also practical steps that align with God's will. It is about creating space in one's life for God to work and being ready to receive His blessings when they come. The act of preparation is a demonstration of trust in God's promises and timing, even when the current circumstances seem barren and devoid of hope. By holding fast to God's word, believers can find the strength to keep digging, to keep preparing, even when the desert stretches endlessly before them. [22:11]
"For thus says the Lord to the house of Israel: 'Seek me and live; but do not seek Bethel, and do not enter into Gilgal or cross over to Beersheba; for Gilgal shall surely go into exile, and Bethel shall come to nothing. Seek the Lord and good shall come to you.'" - Amos 5:4-6 ESV
Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to prepare your heart and life for the blessings you are seeking from God?
Day 2: Visible Faith Through Action
Belief in God's promises is the first step, but it must be followed by action that makes faith visible to the world. This is the essence of a living faith, one that does not rest on words alone but is expressed through deeds. It is the kind of faith that moves mountains, feeds thousands with a few loaves, and turns a widow's last mite into a treasure in heaven. Taking tangible steps towards personal transformation or communal goals is a testament to one's trust in God's provision and guidance. It is the willingness to walk the path of faith, even when the destination is not yet in sight, trusting that each step is a move towards God's greater plan for one's life. [35:32]
"And the Lord said to Gideon, 'With the 300 men who lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hand, and let all the others go every man to his home.'" - Judges 7:7 ESV
Reflection: What is one action you can commit to this week that demonstrates your faith in a specific area of your life?
Day 3: Generosity Paves the Way for Blessings
The principle of sowing and reaping is a biblical truth that underscores the power of generosity. When one gives selflessly, it not only impacts the lives of others but also sets the stage for God's abundant work in the giver's own life. Generosity is not merely about the act of giving but the heart behind it—a heart that trusts God to provide and multiply the seeds sown. This trust is what transforms simple acts of kindness into investments in God's kingdom, where the returns are measured not in worldly wealth but in spiritual riches and blessings. [30:29]
"Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered." - Proverbs 11:25 ESV
Reflection: How can you practice generosity today in a way that trusts God to provide for both your needs and the needs of others?
Day 4: Perseverance Leads to Breakthrough
The journey of faith is not for the faint-hearted; it requires perseverance and steadfastness. It is easy to become discouraged when the fruits of one's labor are not immediately visible, but the Bible encourages believers to not grow weary in doing good. The promise of a harvest at the right time is a beacon of hope for those who continue to toil in faith. This perseverance is not a passive waiting but an active endurance, a continuous effort in doing what is right and good in God's eyes. It is the daily commitment to small, faithful actions that, in God's perfect timing, lead to sudden and abundant breakthroughs. [36:38]
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." - Galatians 6:9 ESV
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to persevere in doing good, and how can you encourage yourself to not give up?
Day 5: Trusting God's Timing in Our Faith Walk
The response to God's instructions is a true measure of trust. When faced with delays or denials, the willingness to continue taking steps of faith—digging ditches in anticipation of rain—reveals a deep belief in God's perfect timing and provision. It is an acknowledgment that God's 'not yet' is not a denial but a divine setup for a greater 'now.' This trust is what sustains believers through seasons of waiting and uncertainty, allowing them to act in faith even when the evidence of fulfillment is not yet visible. It is a trust that says, "God is working, and His plans for me are good," even when the current chapter of the story is still being written. [38:13]
"Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" - Psalm 27:14 ESV
Reflection: Can you identify a situation where you need to trust God's timing, and what 'ditch' can you start digging today as a step of faith?
Quotes
- "Miracles are not magic tricks; they are the result of steady, slow steps of faith wrapped in sacrifice and smell like sweat." [32:39](Download)
- "God could provide us with a new loan tomorrow... but I had to rectify in my spirit that God is saying to us as a congregation today there's a miracle in the making; it's just in your hands." [25:14](Download)
- "When dealing with disappointments and the dry moments of life, yes we may see this, but the Lord said that, and I believe that there's some people in here today who've been stuck in what they see that they have forgotten what God says." [22:11](Download)
- "God loves to partner with his people and all over the Bible you see it... How do you see faith? You see somebody climbing a roof and carrying a man and digging a hole in the roof. That's how you see faith." [35:02](Download)
- "The way that you handle that no determines what God does next because it doesn't just depend on what God will do, it depends on what we will do until God does." [38:49](Download)
- "I can't make it rain and I can't make people change their mind... but I know one thing that I can decide: I will dig until God does." [39:25](Download)
- "If you're slow and you're steady, then those blessings will come suddenly... but only after they dug slowly and steady all night." [30:29](Download)
- "If you keep digging ditches, then one day what is built gradually will appear suddenly... the sun will rise, the waters will flow, the enemy will be defeated, and God will be glorified." [43:07](Download)
- "It's not about what God wants from them, it's about what God wants for them... it's not your tithe, it's his tithe. You are returning to him what is rightfully his." [28:06](Download)
- "When I see somebody that God has blessed, I now ask the substance question: what did you have to dig in order for God to do it?" [29:14](Download)
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