Isaac Dug Again Wells
We must take responsibility for re-opening clogged spiritual wells and take action to prepare ourselves for spiritual growth.
Vance Havner emphasizes the importance of taking personal responsibility in re-opening the spiritual wells that have been filled by the Philistines, rather than waiting for divine intervention. He illustrates that while prayer is powerful, it should not replace our active efforts to address spiritual stagnation, as seen in the examples of Moses and Joshua. Havner encourages believers to engage in repentance, confession, and restitution, acknowledging that these actions may be uncomfortable but are essential for spiritual renewal. He concludes that once we take the initiative to dig, the refreshing water of God's presence will flow once again.
Text
Isaac dug again the wells of his father. The Philistines had filled them up and they had to be re-opened. You will observe that Isaac did not have a prayer meeting and ask God to send down an angel with a shovel. Re-opening clogged spiritual wells is our responsibility. Prayer will accomplish many things but not everything. Moses at the Red Sea was praying when he should have been proceeding, and God put an end to that (Exodus 14:15). Joshua on his face after the defeat at Ai was bidden to get up. It was time to find out who was at the bottom of all the trouble.
God will raise Lazarus but will not roll the stone away from the sepulcher. We must break up our fallow ground and stir up the gift of God within us.
We waste time in prayer meetings trying to persuade God to assume our responsibilities. No use asking God to make us humble when we are told to humble ourselves. Well-digging is not a pleasant pastime, and repentance, confession and restitution are not enjoyable, but they get to the heart of the trouble. And when the well is dug, the water will flow.
Sermon Outline
- The Responsibility of Re-Opening Clogged Spiritual Wells
- Examples of When Prayer Was Not Enough
- The Role of Human Effort in Spiritual Growth
- Moses at the Red Sea
- Joshua after the defeat at Ai
- We must break up our fallow ground
- Stir up the gift of God within us
- Repentance, confession, and restitution are necessary
Key Quotes
“You will observe that Isaac did not have a prayer meeting and ask God to send down an angel with a shovel.” — Vance Havner
“We waste time in prayer meetings trying to persuade God to assume our responsibilities.” — Vance Havner
“Well-digging is not a pleasant pastime, and repentance, confession and restitution are not enjoyable, but they get to the heart of the trouble.” — Vance Havner
Application Points
- We must take the initiative to re-open clogged spiritual wells and take responsibility for our spiritual growth.
- Prayer is not always enough; we must also take action to prepare ourselves for spiritual growth.
- Repentance, confession, and restitution are necessary steps in breaking up our fallow ground and preparing ourselves for spiritual growth.