Have you ever felt hopeless? Israel’s King Jehoram and Judah’s King Jehoshaphat did. Despite some big differences – Jehoram worshipped golden calf statues while Jehoshaphat did what was right in God’s sight – the two had teamed up to stamp out a rebellion by neighboring Moab. It didn’t go well. “And when they had made a circuitous march of seven days, there was no water for the army or for the animals that followed them” (2 Kgs. 3:9 ESV). In the desert with a tired and thirsty army, their defeat seemed certain. Yet when Jehoshaphat suggested inquiring of the LORD, they discovered their path had brought them near the prophet Elisha.
Elisha wasn’t interested in speaking with the idol worshipping Jehoram. “’As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand, were it not that I have regard for Jehoshaphat…I would neither look at you nor see you. But now bring me a musician.’ And when the musician played, the hand of the LORD came upon him” (2 Kgs. 3:14-15). Isn’t that interesting? God’s life-giving word only reached Jehoram through his associating with someone who truly knew Him.
Then there’s the way Elisha prophesied: he did it to music. There was something in the artistry of music that enabled God’s word to come forth – and His word was beautiful. “I will make this dry streambed full of pools…You shall not see wind or rain, but that streambed shall be filled with water, so that you shall drink, you, your livestock, and your animals” (2 Kgs. 3:18). They were thirsty, lost, and hopeless – and now this word from the LORD would make the water flow.
Someone you know is feeling hopeless right now. They are trying as best they can to handle life’s many problems, but it’s leaving them lost and thirsty. They don’t really know God, who alone has the answers they need – but you do. Your association with them – whether it is as a business partner, co-worker, family member, or neighbor – might be their best opportunity to have God’s word enter their lives. Maybe you invite them to do a Bible study – or maybe you share a Christian song that beautifully brings God’s word forth. Maybe you share one of our verse cards, the incredible artwork of which can draw their attention to the beauty of God’s word in a way they might not have seen otherwise.
The important thing is to recognize that God alone can make the waters flow through our dry places. Someone you know needs that. Let His word flow.
Explore more opportunities to tell God thank you through our series Enter with Thanksgiving.