Dig out the dirt

dig out the dirt

In this part of the world, farming is part of life. Some do subsistence
while others commercial. Most of us tend small gardens in our home yards for either aesthetic purposes or for food.

All farmers anticipate a bountiful harvest yet it doesn’t come on a silver platter. For good results; the land has to be adequately prepared, a reliable source of water and commitment from the farmer will be required. Climatic changes have increased the agony of farmers over the years, with rains becoming a rare commodity. Most have resorted to wells and bore holes.

Isaac, the son of our father of faith Abraham, was an accomplished farmer.  He reared animals from cattle to camels as well as crop farming.  Along with skill and intellect Isaac the professional farmer also incorporated the element of faith.

As he strove to expand his business, water became an impediment.  Isaac sought out experts to assist him locate a suitable spot where he could dig a well. The findings were not pleasing but rather threw him into utter frustration. Isaac knelt down and asked God for clarity. He heard a small voice “dig out the dirt.”

He dashed out of his prayer closet to where his wife was.

“Rebecca!” he shouted anxiously, “Do you remember where I kept the documents from my father?”

Rebecca was surprised as he had never looked at anything that reminded him of his father. 

“Here,” Rebecca proffered the envelop to Isaac.

He sighed heavily with relief. He hurriedly perused through and pulled out the maps. He then convened his team with so much joy and issued out clear instructions, “go and dig out the dirt.” These were wells that his father had dug but were filled with dirt by his enemies. (Genesis 26).

We all have wells. Yes, talent and gifts. The word says;

2 Cor 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels.

The treasure in you irks the enemy so much so that he uses anyone or anything to assault you into discouragement. His intent is to redirect your focus; from working on your gift to wasting time and resources combating non-issues.

Yes, there could be so much pain that people have caused you, not to forget the cost of wrong choices you had to bear. The enemy converts these experiences into fear and condemnation to hinder you from operating in optimum capacity. Yet our gracious God turns around the same ugly experiences for our good. We see Joseph thriving in the same place where he underwent much trials.

Digging out dirt is a conscious choice you have to make. It is the decision that will propel growth while putting a clear distinction between mere men and world changers. 

Dirt is simply what deters you from becoming what God intended you to become. Dig out; excuses, negative attitude, bad influence and gain the discipline and focus required for fulfilling your purpose. 

No one was created for obscurity. The bible says; a righteous man shall fall seven times but will still rise up. Don not beat yourself up, dust yourself and take steps of faith. Thomas Edison the light bulb inventor failed ninety nine times, the hundredth time he succeeded. 

Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up – Thomas Edison 

Digging is tedious. These 3 Ps are paramount: Persistence. Patience. Perseverance .

• Persistence – continuing in a course of action in spite of opposition faced. The first 3 wells Isaac dug Philistines contended and had to surrender. This never stopped him, until he got the one.
• Patience – the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious. The bible does not record how many years apart Isaac’s wells were dug. Good things take time.
• Positive attitude – is the ability to see the good in every situation. This will give you strength to persevere through tough seasons. 

Two things that are must do during this process;

1. Like Isaac, get out the map that is the word of God. You will know where to begin digging out the dirt. James 1:22-25 says, the word is like a mirror. 
2. Ask the creator to show you who you are. James 4 says you do not have, because you do not ask