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Digging Wells



If you were forced to categorize each person you know, you could probably separate everyone into two basic groups: those who wait for rain and those who dig wells. I will also go so far as to guess most would fit into the former group.


Those who wait for rain are more passive. They may be fraught with activity but are largely waiting for some outside influence or event to change their circumstances. They believe – or at least behave as if – they are a captive audience, at the mercy of the randomness and uncertainty around them. As they suffer through the inevitable droughts in life, these people wonder in frustration why the rain hasn’t come.

Then there are those who create wells. Rather than watch for rain and helplessly wait for things to happen to them, these people will pick up a shovel and dig. They understand God controls the seasons in their lives, yet they also recognize their own responsibility for action. They realize each person starts at different levels and must dig through different soils. Life isn’t fair. They know some must slowly chip away at seemingly impenetrable bedrock. One might find water quickly while others must dig much deeper. Some may even have to abandon a well and start all over. In any case, these types of people take an active role in facing life’s circumstances.

Periods of both rain and drought affect each one of us and they are unavoidable. You often can’t manipulate the seasons of your life, but you can control your actions. And while there is nothing wrong with hoping for and praying for rain, that should be done while you dig your well. 

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