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

A cistern is a shallow well of runoff water and debris. We can become just like cisterns. Our spiritual depth is shallow, and decision-making is murky because we aren’t drawing fresh water from heaven. Repeatedly, we can attempt to draw fresh water from our self-made cistern only to retrieve a cup of mud instead. The Bible states, “You’re not going to dip into a polluted mud hole and get a cup of clear, cool water” (James 3:7, MSG). We aren’t alone in our cistern-style living.

Israel consistently returned to the artificial mud hole of the past, hoping for clear, cool water but only to discover the same old polluted outcome. Moses chose twelve leaders, one from each tribe, to explore the Promised Land. These men brilliantly depict the difference between a cistern and a deep well.

Together, the twelve spies explored the Promised Land. They all witnessed the lush, fertile land, the large produce, and its giant inhabitants. All agreed the land flowed with milk and honey, but the deception of slavery contaminated ten spies and prohibited them from seeing with God-vision. These men were physically free, yet their hearts were still in Egypt, bound to a weak and small mentality.

Joshua and Caleb were free! No residue of Egypt remained in them. They drew fresh water from God’s promise of an amazing life in the new land. Unhindered by the negativity of the majority, Joshua proclaimed, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!” (Jos. 24:15, NKJV). Caleb shouted, “Give me this mountain!” (Jos. 14:12, NKJV).

For years, I sat in my cistern of excuses about why I couldn’t write. I knew God was calling me to write, but fear and insecurity held me firmly in my mud hole. One day, I had a Caleb moment. I no longer focused on my excuse giants; I saw my mountain. I took pen to hand and began writing.

The Devil is a professional scam artist creating the optical illusion of freshwater freedom while trying to trap us in the mud of a cistern. We are called leaders on a mission of God to lead His people to His promises. God has rescued us from Egypt, so we must reject Egypt's thinking.

It’s time for your Caleb moment, too! Look past the hindering giants holding you back from the mountain God has promised you. Rise and shout, “Give me this mountain!”

Suggested Activity:

What are the excuses keeping you from God’s purpose for your life?

What residue from the past is hindering your future?