Gradually, then Suddenly

In Gradually, Then Suddenly, Mark Batterson highlights a line from The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway**:

“How did you go bankrupt?”
“Two ways: gradually, then suddenly.”

It’s a principle of life. And, it’s also a principle of breakthrough.

In 2 Kings 3, when Israel runs out of water on the way to fight Moab, the situation deteriorates fast. They’re already in battle — and now survival itself is threatened. The king of Israel spirals: “Has God brought us here to destroy us?”

Isn’t that how it feels? One bill after another. One diagnosis after another. One problem piles on top of another.

Gradually… then suddenly.

But through the prophet Elisha, God gives a strange instruction: “Dig ditches in this valley.” No clouds. No rain. No visible sign of provision. Just preparation.

God was essentially saying: I want you to join your faith with my power.

They didn’t just pray for water. They positioned themselves for it. All night they dug.
By morning, the valley was filled. The breakthrough came— gradually, then suddenly.

20 The next day at about the time when the morning sacrifice was offered, water suddenly appeared! It was flowing from the direction of Edom, and soon there was water everywhere. 2 Kings 3:20

Here’s the tension we wrestle with: We want the “suddenly.” God often works in the “gradually.” God’s provision often requires our preparation. Faith digs ditches before it sees clouds. They kept digging even when nothing had yet changed.

Just because you don’t see things changing doesn't mean God isn’t working.

His power will meet your obedience. Keep digging. The water will flow when its time. And, His timing is always perfect.

This Sunday I’ll be sharing this faith building story in our Elisha series: Gradually, then Suddenly.

With love & gratitude,

Dusty Takle