Pour It Out First: The Risky Faith That Brings Living Water

 Hey there,  

You know how old-fashioned water pumps work? The kind you still see in some rural areas or old movies. Before the pump will bring up any water, you have to “prime” it first — you pour a little water down the top to create suction. No priming, no water. 

There’s an old story about a man crossing the desert back in pioneer days. He was dying of thirst when he came across an old pump next to an abandoned shack. Right beside it was a jug with just enough water in it, and a note attached. 

The note said: 

“There is just enough water in this jug to prime the pump, but not if you drink any first. This well has never gone dry — not even in the worst times. Pour the water in the top, pump the handle hard, and then refill the jug for the next person who comes along.” 

Imagine being that thirsty man. What would you do? 

Would you play it safe and drink the little bit of water you have? Or would you pour it all out in faith, trusting the note was true? 

That moment — choosing to pour out the water before you get any back — is a perfect picture of the kind of faith the Bible talks about. Real faith means staking everything on God’s promise, even when you can’t see the outcome yet. 

This is exactly what James is talking about in the New Testament when he says, “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:17, 26). James tells us that genuine faith isn’t just believing something in your head. It’s faith that does something. It’s faith that acts. 

Just like the man had to pour out the water before he could drink, our faith is proven when we step out and trust God — even when it feels risky. It’s not faith or works — it’s faith that works. 

God often calls us to that same kind of faith today. Maybe it’s forgiving someone who really hurt you. Maybe it’s giving when your own budget is tight. Or stepping into something new even when you’re not sure how it’s going to work out. Real faith pours out first, trusting that God’s well never runs dry. 

If this story stirs your heart, you’re not alone. We’d love for you to join us at Black Hills Church in Rapid City, SD. You can learn more and find service times at blackhillscoc.org. 

Charlie