The Underground God

How God Works Beneath the Surface to Provide the Living Water

Genesis 26:17–25; John 4:6–14

Water that moves underground follows a process known as infiltration and percolation, leading to the formation of groundwater. Here’s the process:

1. Infiltration

Rainwater or surface water soaks into the soil through pores and cracks. This begins the journey beneath the surface, out of sight.

2. Percolation

The infiltrated water moves downward through layers of soil, sand, and rock. It slowly filters through, dropping deeper into the earth.

3. Saturation and Aquifers

Eventually, water reaches a zone where all the pores in rock or soil are fully saturated. This is called the saturated zone, or an aquifer—a hidden underground reservoir of water.

4. Springs and Wells

If pressure builds or if a hole (well) is dug down to the aquifer, the water rises to the surface—becoming visible, refreshing, and useful.

After seasons of silence or struggle, God often brings breakthrough, revelation, or refreshing that blesses others. The Spirit flows outward from the inner work He has done. You don’t see the movement of the water underground, but it is moving. You don’t hear it, feel it, or measure it easily, but it is filling. And one day, it springs forth in a well, a stream, or a life-giving river.

“The hidden life is the power of the public life. If you skip the underground work, the well will be shallow, and the water will be weak.” - Oswald Chambers

The God Who Works Where We Cannot See

God often does His greatest work in places we cannot see—the underground. While we long for visible results and immediate fruit, God is often digging beneath the surface of our lives, our ministries, and our leadership journeys. He is an Underground God—quiet, constant, and committed to the flow of living water in and through us.

In Genesis 26, Isaac is re-digging the wells of his father Abraham, battling opposition, strife, and hardship. What appears to be a dusty pursuit in the desert is actually a divine demonstration of how God works through the unseen to bring forth the essential.

“And Isaac digged again the wells of water, which they had digged in the days of Abraham his father... and found there a well of springing water.” - Genesis 26:18–19

“But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst... a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” - John 4:14

“God is always doing 10,000 things in your life, and you may be aware of three of them.” - John Piper

I. God Was Working in the Heritage Wells (Genesis 26:18)

“And Isaac digged again the wells of water, which they had digged in the days of Abraham his father…”

Isaac reclaims Abraham’s wells. Though the Philistines had filled them, God was still at work in the foundation. God works underground through heritage, often preparing resources and refreshment from the faithfulness of those who have come before us. Re-dig the wells of doctrinal purity, prayer, and faithful preaching. God doesn’t waste the digging of past generations.

“Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.” - Proverbs 22:28

“Legacy is not what you leave to people; it’s what you leave in them.” -  James Merritt

II. God Was Working in the Hardship Wells (Genesis 26:19 - 22)

• Isaac’s servants dug wells and met opposition:

• Esek – Strife

• Sitnah – Hatred

• Rehoboth – Enlargement

Even in rejection and resistance, God was working underground, building perseverance and leading Isaac to Rehoboth, the place of room and peace. Just because there is conflict above ground doesn’t mean God isn’t working underground. The deeper the resistance, the closer the refreshment.

“Tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope.” 

- Romans 5:3–4

“Never doubt in the dark what God showed you in the light.”  - V. Raymond Edman

III. God Was Working in the Humility Wells (Genesis 26:23–25)

Isaac moved to Beersheba, worshiped, built an altar, and dug another well.

Worship came before the well. The Underground God meets humble, surrendered hearts with spiritual water.  Build the altar before digging the next well. God’s blessings flow through brokenness and belief.

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” - 1 Peter 5:6

“God will fill what you empty, but He will empty what you fill.” - Leonard Ravenhill

IV. God Was Working Toward the Harvest Well (John 4:6–14)

Jesus sat on Jacob’s well—which was first Abraham’s, then Isaac’s, then Jacob’s. And from that deep, ancient well, He offered living water that only the Holy Spirit can give. “Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” - John 7:38

Jesus reveals that the Underground God was not just digging physical wells—but preparing to burst forth spiritually in the hearts of people. We are not just digging ministries; we are making room for the Spirit to flow through lives for generations.

“But the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” - John 4:14

“You do the digging, and God will do the filling.” - D.L. Moody

The God Who Springs Forth is the Underground God who was working through Abraham’s faith, Isaac’s digging, Jacob’s ownership, Jesus’ ministry, and now your leadership!

Each well was a preparation for a greater outpouring. Each shovel of resistance was breaking ground for revival. So keep digging, pastor. Keep leading, teacher. Keep praying, servant.

What may look like a dry hole today may soon become a fountain of living water—not because of our efforts, but because the Underground God has been working all along.

Prayer of Commitment:

“Lord, help us dig deep—not for platforms or applause—but for the unseen water that only You can provide. May we trust You in the silence, worship You in the struggle, and wait for You in the digging. You are the Underground God, and we believe the spring is coming.”