Draw From Heaven's Well: Live and Lead From StrengthSample

Elijah was a strong, bold, anointed prophet of God, advancing God’s kingdom with passion when he encountered the 450 prophets of Baal. Elijah called down fire from heaven to defeat them. This confrontation drained every drop of water from Elijah’s well. Elijah should have been riding high after God’s miracle, but instead, he was depleted so significantly that he faltered in his call. His dehydration caused him to take refuge under the shade of a tree, where he wished to die. Moved with compassion, God sent an angel to Elijah with refreshing water and nourishment to revive him.

Sometimes, the enemy uses those we love, serve, and care for to deplete our ministry well. Thirty-six years ago, we planted a thriving, growing church that was touching and changing lives. Without our knowledge, one of our trusted leaders called a congregational meeting and embedded lies about us into the hearts of the people. Eighty percent walked away the following Sunday. Devastated and alone in my empty well, the Lord poured refreshing life into my dehydrated soul with three simple words: You are called. I brushed myself off and moved forward with my husband. Together, we rebuilt a vibrant church.

When you find yourself alone at the bottom of a waterless well, the devil will use your exhaustion to his advantage. He desires to take you out of the ministry. He’ll manufacture lies that become magnified in your dehydrated state and weakness. He’ll shatter your dreams and insinuate that you're not qualified to be in ministry.

There is hope! God is not limited by your dry well circumstances. Look for refuge under the shade tree He’s provided. You’ll find rest while you wait for the Lord’s restoration. His deep love for you has opened heaven’s floodgate of refreshing water to infuse you with fresh strength. He’s sending people who love you with acts of kindness, words of encouragement, and arms of love to embrace you. In scripture, we read, “A messenger you can trust is just as refreshing as cool water in summer” (Prov. 25:13, CEV). Be encouraged, the Lord has dispatched a cool, refreshing drink, water from heaven, to revive and refresh you for your ministry call.

Suggested Activity:

How has ministry emptied your well?

What is your plan to fill your spiritually dry well?