Just Keep Digging: A Journey to Covenant Relationhip with God

by Rodney Burton

In the pages of this book we will explore Isaac’s process of seeking to find and discover for himself the God of his father Abraham. Our foundational Scripture for this book is found in Genesis 26: Then Isaac dug again the wells of water which had been dug in the days of his father Abraham, for the Philistines had stopped them up after the death of Abraham; and he gave them the same names which his father had given them. Genesis 26:18-19 Isaac was experiencing blessing in his own life, and others around him were recognizing that he was enjoying God’s blessing. Abraham had died and Isaac had been given his inheritance; and we find that “after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac; and Isaac lived by Beer-lahai-roi” (Genesis 25:11). Abimelech and others around began to recognize that Isaac was living in God’s favor; however, Isaac was trying to find his own way. He was trying to come to the realization that indeed God was there for him like He had been for his father Abraham. So we find that Isaac dug again the wells of his father which had been covered by the Philistines. To cover a well in ancient times was a declaration of war. The nourishment and provision that Abraham had opened and had made available to his family had been eliminated. When Isaac found himself in that same region he felt the need to re-open those wells. Something inside of him wanted to declare that the Philistines – the enemy – could not intimidate or control him. Isaac felt the need to find again the well, the living water that had been discovered by his father, and that was the rightful possession of the people of God. We will explore the journey of discovery experienced by Isaac. From that journey we will consider in our own lives the journey of discovering the provision of God our Father for ourselves. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’ John 7:38 The promise is that from within will flow the nourishing, provisional and spiritual waters from God. For some reading this, you can remember how those waters flowed in your father or mother. You can remember a time when you enjoyed those waters, and there is something inside of you that wants to dig and re-discover those waters again today in your own life. Like Isaac, however, the digging and searching for what you remember is not going to be an easy journey. But for the one who continues to the end, you will discover, like Isaac, the blessing and presence of God. And you will discover the beauty of God, making the personal connection in your life that declares He is your God and not just the God of those who have gone before you. So let us embark on this journey together as we just keep digging.

115 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 27, 2013

About the author

Rodney Burton was born in Indiana as the youngest of eight children. He earned an Associates Degree in Practical Ministry from Brownsville Revival School of Ministry (1997-1999). During his time at Brownsville, he married Kim, and the two of them have been involved in ministry since graduation. They have served as staff pastors in St. Peters, Missouri, as lead pastors in Franklin, Kentucky, and they currently serve as lead pastors in Carthage, Illinois. Rodney's heart is to see the church come alive with the power, presence and fullness of God and his writing is geared that direction. His first work, "31 Keys to Possessing Your Promise" is a devotional designed to journey the reader through keys he needs to apply to his life to inherit God's promise in his life.

Reviews

[Louisa Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very inspiring to read but even more it is a great book to help you to take a moment in the mist of difficulty and understand why your there and not to give up.
The teaching and guidance in this book is brilliant and I would happily recommend it to Christians that may be starting out and thinking 'What, I thought being a Christian was easy!' or to a more seasoned Christian who is about to give up, please don't grab your Bible and be encouraged with this guide.
The teaching is in no way 'preachy' and even if it was I wouldn't care because this author is clearly gifted. Alongside the personal stories he has included, the author turns everything back to God and his greatness.
Looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Catrina Sparkman · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the sake of full disclosure, let me start off by saying that Rodney and I agreed to a book exchange for the purpose of a review. After completing his book Just Keep Digging, I am glad I did. Rodney Burton's giftedness as a teacher of God's Word, who really wants his readers to 'get it', shines through on every single page of this very thoughtful, and detailed examination of Genesis 26. So many times in the body of Christ we try to convince people to not give up, to keep reaching towards the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus. The beauty of Rodney's book is that he shows his readers how to press through. It doesn't really matter where you are in your spiritual walk, if you are desiring to go to the next level, this book has something in it for you.

Catrina Sparkman author of Intimacy the Beginning of Authority

[Rodney Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Isaac digging the wells has been in my heart for many years. This book was born from a sermon I preached in many different places. Each time I realized God was allowing me to see more revelation found within the context. As a result it became this book.

I have been somewhat surprised with the number of people who have told me that this is their favorite of my three books. I am also finding that this is the toughest to keep in personal stock.

With this message comes a look into some personal things in my life and a touch of vulnerability that I feel is necessary if we are going to fully discover all that God has for our lives.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you are tired of trying and need some encouragement to keep on keeping on, this book will encourage you and help you "work through the pain". The book takes us on a journey with Isaac and shows us how we are not the only one that has felt drained and just wants to give up. As we travel and dig wells with Isaac, we are encouraged to keep going through our own struggles and not stop or settle before we get to the blessing God has promised us. I was given a copy of this book for my honest review and would suggest it for everyone- we all have struggles.

[Adrienna · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I glanced at the title, it didn't enthuse me to read it. However once I saw the author offered a free copy on Amazon Kindle to read and/or review, I read the first few pages and was immensely engulfed into the meaning of "digging" or "dug wells". I was immensely blessed by it whereas I will share in my Bible Study session coming up in May; this book came in a timely season that I am also experiencing to where I need a spiritual nourishment, seeing God's provision over the vision, and continue to trust God in the midst of obstacles.

Rodney Burton tells the reader that we can have a continual source of spiritual nourishment, life, and strength. He also elaborates on things that I was unaware or gave clarity on biblical definitions and meanings in relation to the story of Isaac after receiving Abraham's inheritance. He also learned the favor of God, His blessings, and how to restore what was already there (or the promises of God). He could have went into despair and/or depression and saw Gerar as a dry land, but he followed through with God's plan and saw his obstacles as opportunities instead. We also can have such favor and acknowledgment for our obstacles too.

Thank you for writing such a nonfiction book on a topic I could have easily overlooked. It was a helpful tool and now will share the lesson(s) with my Bible Study class. However, the only downfall of the book was there were some things redundant but useful for the believers spiritual growth and faith walk.

3.5 stars


*Reading eBook version on Kindle.

Adrienna Turner, author of God is in the Equation and The Day Begins with Christ
www.dream4more.org