Dig the gutters: Expectation with Faith

A farmer prepares his field for the season before the rains come. He doesn't just stand there waiting. Instead, he gets to work, plowing the soil, planting seeds, and preparing his field for the rain he believes will come. He does all of this without any tangible evidence that rain is on its way. This scenario is a beautiful illustration of faith in action—acting with the expectation that what you believe in will come to pass.

This idea of preparation with faith is echoed in a powerful story from the Bible, found in 2 Kings 3:16-19. The prophet Elisha tells the people to dig ditches in a dry valley, promising that, although they won’t see wind or rain, the valley will soon be filled with water. And just as he said, water flowed into the valley, enough to quench the thirst of the people, their cattle, and their animals. The story didn’t end there; the Lord also delivered victory over their enemies into their hands.

The lesson here is clear: sometimes, you have to act in faith before you see the results. You have to dig the gutters before the rain comes. So, how can we apply this principle in our lives today?

First, let’s consider the value of acquiring knowledge and experience before you actually need them. Just like a farmer who prepares his field, learning and developing skills now can position you for opportunities that may not yet be visible on the horizon. Whether it’s through formal education, hands-on experience, or simply reading and staying informed, the knowledge you gather now will become the foundation for future success.

Next, think about building your personal brand. In today’s world, your reputation and the way people perceive you are incredibly important. An example of this is an entrepreneur who dreams of building a successful business. Before they have a product or customers, they start building their personal brand. They create a blog, share their expertise on social media, and network with other professionals in their field. This entrepreneur understands that by establishing a strong personal brand, they are creating trust and credibility that will serve them when their business is ready to launch. They are preparing the field, expecting that the rain of opportunities will come.

Another area where you can “dig the gutters” is in your relationships. Build meaningful connections with others now, even before you see a direct need for them. Relationships are like the irrigation channels in a farmer’s field—when the rain comes, they help distribute the blessings evenly across your life. Whether it’s networking in your industry, deepening friendships, or strengthening family ties, these connections often open doors you didn’t even know were there.

When it comes to finances, investing prudently before you see profits is another way to prepare your field. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of waiting until you have more money or better opportunities, but often, the best investments are made with a long-term vision. Consider someone who starts investing in their retirement fund in their twenties. At first, it might seem like their small contributions won’t make a difference, and retirement is a distant concept. But by starting early and investing prudently, they allow time and compound interest to work in their favor. Years later, they find themselves financially secure, all because they “dug the gutters” long before they saw any tangible benefits.

Similarly, something as simple as obtaining a passport before you plan a trip is a practical example of faith in action. It might seem unnecessary at the time, but when an unexpected opportunity to travel arises—whether for work, a spontaneous vacation, or an emergency—they’re ready to go at a moment’s notice. They’ve prepared for the rain, and now they can embrace the opportunity without hesitation.

Finally, consider opening an investment account before you receive large sums of money. It might seem premature, but by setting up the infrastructure to manage your finances now, you’re prepared to handle abundance when it comes your way.

In all these examples, the message is clear: act in expectation, with faith that the results will follow. Just like the farmer who prepares his field or the people who dug ditches in a dry valley, your preparation today sets the stage for the blessings of tomorrow. Life often rewards those who prepare in advance, who have the courage to act even when the outcome is uncertain.

So go ahead, dig those gutters, build your skills, nurture your relationships, invest wisely, and stay ready for opportunities. The rain may not be in sight just yet, but with faith and preparation, when it does come, you’ll be more than ready to embrace the abundance it brings. Remember, the act of preparation is itself an act of faith—a declaration that you believe in the future you’re working towards. And with that belief, anything is possible.