God expects you to be obedient and do your part.
When we first moved into our home, I was glad to discover the previous owners had installed a well pump. Over the years, I’ve relied on turning on the switch, listening to the pump prime, and then watching the sprinklers shoot away. Turning on the pump requires little to no effort on my part. It’s very convenient. However, the other day it wasn’t business as usual.
That day I did as I always did. I flipped the switch, heard the pump prime up, and then nothing. I then went outside and checked to make sure the pump was working. I confirmed that it was and yet no water. I did hear some “gurgling” sound but nothing more.
Dumfounded, I researched and then asked a few knowledgeable and experienced neighbors. The consensus was that two possible theories explained my situation. The first was that the well ran dry. This first theory seemed almost impossible as living in South Florida, we practically built an entire city on top of water.
The second theory seemed more plausible. My neighbors theorized that perhaps I needed to prime the pump as it had sat dormant for too long. In that situation, the water level drops below the ability of the pump to suction out water and fills with air. Therefore, the pump can’t create the necessary pressure for it to draw water in and pump it where it needs to go.
With this in mind, I set out and primed the pump by running water back through the pump and down the pipe. After running the water for a few minutes, I turned on the pump. This time it gurgled and hissed a bit, but eventually, water came gushing out.
My story reminds me of how often we expect God to “magically” make things happen for us with little to no effort on our part. Although this is possible, more often than not, God wants us to work with him in the process. There are many instances in Scripture where God assigns men a mission and works with them to carry it out.
Take time today to evaluate if you’re doing your part in bringing God the glory through your situation. For example, perhaps your finances are strained, and you need to cut costs or find a way to make more money. On the other hand, maybe your relationships are fractured, and you want restoration. Whatever your case, determine what it is God calls you to do and do your part.
Daily Directive:
Answer and Journal the Following
Read:
Exodus 4:11-14
Then the Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” 13 But he said, “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.” 14 Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses…
Pray:
Pray for clarity and direction in your situation. Then pray for the strength and perseverance to do your part.
Meditate / Make It Real:
Contemplate and meditate on or memorize the passage. What is God saying to you? Then, determine what you will do with what you’ve learned.
Share / Show:
Share and show what you’ve learned with someone else.
