I would like to share a story with you from 2 Kings 2:19–22. The people of the city said to Elisha, “Look, our lord, this town is well situated, as you can see, but the water is bad and the land is unproductive.”
These people had done a thorough analysis of their situation. They saw that their town was well situated—it had potential, it was in a good place, and had room for growth and opportunity. But despite all this, the land was unproductive.
I appreciate that these people were not nonchalant about their situation. They didn’t just sit there expecting things to change on their own. They examined themselves and their environment to understand why things weren’t working. Sometimes, people adopt a nonchalant attitude toward their situation. They see that things aren’t working, but they have an indifference attitude that stunts their growth. Nonchalance means a lack of enthusiasm or concern—an attitude of indifference.
In life, it’s important to develop self-awareness about your situation. Take note of patterns or circumstances that don’t improve despite your efforts. You must analyze your situation thoroughly to identify the root cause. Sometimes, the source of the problem isn’t obvious, but you can’t just fold your hands and wait. You need to be self-aware and actively seek a solution.
The people of this town discovered that the reason their land was unproductive was because the water was bad. As we know, water is a vital solvent in biological systems—it is a component of life. Water gives life, promotes growth, aids digestion, brings ease, and enables productivity.
So when a component like water is missing in your life and journey, things become difficult, dry, and unproductive. That business might not grow even if you have the big warehouse or a good idea; if the source of life is missing, it can make the land unproductive. You keep working the ground day in day out, yet the result does not match the effort you have put in. That can be frustrating.
You may find that despite your best efforts—working hard, doing all the right things—life still feels difficult, as though you’re not making progress. Life can be harsh, and working hard in an unfavorable situation that yields no results can be unbearable. This may have nothing to do with your skill, tenacity, or qualifications. The water is just bad making the land unproductive.
Let’s look at another story to help us understand this point. In Luke 5:1–8, the disciples were fishing all night but caught nothing. Not because they lacked skill, weren’t in the right spot, or didn’t have experience. These were skilled men who had perfected the craft of fishing. They had the right equipment and knowledge—but still caught nothing. Sometimes, you may have the right skills, expertise, and tools, but still catch nothing.
I want to share three keys to help you navigate such seasons in your life:
1. FAVOUR
Favour sets you apart for appointment. Psalm 90:17 says, “Let the favour of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands.” Maybe the missing key in your life is God’s favour.
The Bible tells us of many who benefited from this blessing. Esther is one of them. Her story is fascinating. In Esther 2:9, she found favour before Hegai. She didn’t win the selection to become queen based solely on beauty or behavior—favour set her apart. Hegai represents systems and structures—people who hold the power to decide whether you gain access to an organization or opportunity. The Lord caused her to find favour with him, setting the course of her stay in the palace.
Later, in Esther 2:15, she found favour with everyone who saw her. Favour didn’t stop at the door—it carried her into the inner chamber, into the hearts of men. Never think you’ve reached a height where you no longer need favour. Esther needed favour at every stage.
In Esther 2:17, she found favour with the king. Do you see the train of favour? Never underestimate the favour of God in your life. Favour can elevate you, bringing you to the forefront of your field. God can use anyone and anything to favour you. Favour can break protocols and rewrite laws, policies, and legislation on your behalf.
Are you praying this into your life? Remember Psalm 90:17: “Let the favour of God be upon you, and establish the work of our hands.”
Even Jesus understood the power of favour. In Luke 2:52, the Bible says Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. If Jesus—Son of God—experienced favour, how much more you?
2. VISIBILITY
Visibility is the ability to be seen or noticed—the degree to which something attracts attention. You may have the right skills, potential, and experience, but if you’re not visible to the right people, you may become stagnant.
Take Coca-Cola, one of the world’s major companies. They still advertise their product to remain visible across nations. You must be visible to the right people and the right market. You can have the best product, idea, or invention, but if the right audience doesn’t see it, you’ll go nowhere.
Pray for visibility. I pray the Holy Spirit will announce you. May the Lord make you visible to the right people and the right market.
3. HELPERS OF MEN
You need helpers of men. You cannot do life alone. God’s blessings often come through people. Psalm 115:16 reminds us—this is the world of men. You need people who will take your hand and usher you to the front seat.
Helpers of men make the journey faster, shorter, and easier. They pave the way for your life and destiny. They show up in your most difficult moments. Even Jesus needed a man to carry the cross for Him.
Don’t underestimate the help of men. Don’t become so proud that you rely only on your skill, experience, money, or fame. You need people.
Today, I pray for wisdom for you. May the Holy Spirit teach you what to do and when to do it. May He send people to favour you. May He reveal the reason for unproductivity and show you the way forward.
God bless you.
