November 21

“Thus saith Jehovah, Make this valley full of trenches.” 2 Kings 3:16

The history of Israel illustrates again and again how at any time man's unbelief can limit the omnipotence of God. Of course, man has no right to take what God has not given him, but how often do we find, rather, that what he takes possession of is but a fraction of what he might have had! It is a solemn fact that God’s exercise of power can be limited by his people's unbelief.

On this occasion of the defeat of Mesha and the Moabites, the situation was otherwise. Faith prevailed and there was a wonderful display of divine power, but only because, in obedience to Elisha's instructions, men had got down to the monotonous task of digging. The trenches which his people prepared opened up the way for God to pour in his miracle-working power. Often. even today, the water of divine blessing finds its release through human channels.