Have you ever noticed the majority of the time we drink we are not thirsty? Example, when we sit down to eat, we usually have a beverage. Why? The reasons vary. Some foods taste better with a drink, such as cookies are generally better with milk. If the food is super spicy a drink is often preferred to keep the tongue from catching fire. At social gatherings passing out beverages to guest or at least having drinks readily available is the norm. Usually, drinking happens because it is what we are expected to do, or that is what we have always done.

When a person is thirsty things are different; I am not talking about the time in the evening when a person is relaxing, and a drink would be something refreshing while watching television. I am talking about those days when it is 95 degrees outside, and someone has been playing or working hard. Perspiration is seeping through the clothing, droplets of water are visible on the sidewalk as they are dripping wet with sweat. The guzzling of the 20-ounce glass of ice and liquid happens in seconds and a second drink poured, and it too does not last long.

God has made a promise to the thirsty, Isaiah 44:3, “For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:”

God always seems to overdeliver. He promises more than quenching someone’s thirst; He promises to send a flood of water.

Much in the Old Testament is a physical example of spiritual truth, and God’s promise to the thirsty is very much one of these.

Christian are you thirsty to see people saved, prodigal sons return home, growth in your love, joy, or peace? Before you answer the question consider the illustrations I gave above.

Often we drink when we are not thirsty. We have a beverage at dinner because we always have a drink with our meals. This action is comparable to a Christian who reads his Bible, prays, attends church, or whatever, not because of a thirst for the Word of God, God’s people, or a deeper relationship with Him, but because that is what Christians do.

If there is no thirst, there is no flood of water, in other words, no significant blessing.

If reading the Scripture is uninteresting or boring, if your prayers (you know deep down inside if they are or not) are superficial, empty words or requests made to God only as a last resort, if your church attendance is sporadic or just on the holidays can you claim you have a thirst? If the heart’s desire is not to guzzle it down and have a second glass you are not thirsty.

Backslidden Christians are not always joined to idols or committing adultery like Ephraim and David (Hosea 4:17; 2 Samuel 11), but are regularly reading their Bibles, going to church, holding offices, teaching, or preaching every Sunday. They do what Christians are supposed to do; like having a beverage with a meal. They drink when they are supposed to drink, but they are not thirsty.

How does one get thirsty, where God can receive the greater glory, where He can work within and through someone like He never has before?

Start by asking. God tells us we have not because we ask not, or we pray for the wrong reasons (James 4:2-3).

Before you ask, however, you must be willing to pay the price when the answer arrives.

If you pray for more souls to be saved, by default somethings will need to happen. There may be things in your life that are hindrances to other’s salvation. God will place on your heart what these things are and the need to set these things to the side. Besides, you will need to plant the seeds of salvation – giving people the Words of the Gospel. Most will reject the message, be prepared. Lastly, your thirst for the souls of others will grow so intense you will see them in a spiritual light, and your love for them will bring you to tears (Hebrews 12:1; Romans 10:17; Matthew 7:14; Psalm 126:5).

If you pray for a more significant relationship with God or more meaning to your Christian life – again there will be a price to pay. As in the previous paragraph, God will ask you to add to or subtract some things from your life (Isaiah 59:1-2).

Are you ready to receive the flood of God’s blessing? The answer depends on whether or not you are thirsty.