WHEN THE BROOK DRIES UP!! – (1 KINGS 17:2-9)

The Case of Elijah

When Elijah commanded that it should not rain in Israel for three and a half years, a drought occurred in Israel and God advised Elijah to go by the brook Cherith – (which means a cutting or separation) where He had commanded ravens to feed him meet and bread.

Now God did not direct him to go to the brook because of the ravens or the food they would bring, but because of the availability of water in the brook. This was so much that as he would drink of the brook to quench his thirst ravens would come and feed him.

So, the primary providence for Elijah from God was water from the brook while the meet and bread were a bonus. If the primary means of sustenance were the meat and bread, the Lord would have had the ravens bring them to Elijah wherever he would be.

So when the brook dried, God directed Elijah to go to Zarephath – (which means refinement) where He had commanded a widow to feed him.

Lessons from Elijah

What we learn from the story of Elijah is that whenever there’s a crisis in the land or God’s judgment He always separates or cuts off His saints from the multitudes so that whatever takes place may not befall them. In the process, He always ensures that He provides for them sustenance to last them for a time as the season passes.

But before God would bring the matter to an end, He always ensures that He takes His people through a process of refinement before reintegrating them to the masses as the scourge or judgment comes to an end. This is based on the meaning and specific significance of the two locations that God chose to provide Elijah with sustenance till the drought was over; Cherith and Zarephath

The Ravens and The Widow

These two characters are very significant in that they represent not only odd sources of sustenance but their very nature represents a contrary state to what was required of them. A raven is known to be a scavenger who feeds on meat and its barely possible for a poor widow who has almost nothing to sustain herself and her family to be able to take care of another person for a stretch of time. They therefore both represent the ultimate power of God to do the impossible to provide for those He loves.

When the Brook Dries Up

One of the greatest challenges that Christians face in times of difficulties or trying times is not only to listen to the voice of God but to follow His directions, advises or commands. Many times, whenever we go through difficulties, challenges or crises; God always provides us with a way of managing our circumstances through certain provisions or opportunities.

However, there comes a time when the grace for the current position or status we are in comes to an end. Sometimes it is the provisions that come to an end. Before this happens God always gives us a heads up or warning of what is about to transpire. But He never leaves us high and dry. Instead, He always gives us directions, instructions or advise on what steps to take next.

Sometimes you’ll come to realize that because of too much comfort or familiarity with a certain position, status or condition most believers would be reluctant to move when the time to move comes.

This always brings a lot of frustrations especially because of the fact that the sustenance or conditions that kept us moving in such environments no longer become available or viable. Because of lack of understanding, many would therefore blame God for abandoning them a no longer takes interest into their issues or affairs.

So, I would like to encourage us to always be sensitive in the spirit. Let us always know how to discern the times to be able to tell when a season comes to an end thereby ushering in a new season. This would help us discern when a brook that was sustaining us has dried up and it’s time to move on. It’s also important to be always sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit so that we never miss His counsel whenever he guides us forward at such times.

God bless you all.

Shalom!!