Genesis 2:10 NKJV
Now a river went out of Eden to water the garden, and from there it parted and became four riverheads.
There was dirt in Eden. Water can sustain life without dirt, but dirt cannot sustain life without water. A river was used to water the garden of Eden. The water had to be added to the dirt to sustain life.
Spiritual parallel: We are made from dust. Jesus said:
John 6:63 NKJV
“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing….”
We cannot be life-givers without the water of the Word and the Spirit. We must always be aware of our need to partner with God and never go out to minister to others dependent on our flesh – our credentials, skills, experience, etc. It behooves us to say like the songwriter, “I need thee, Oh I need thee…”