When the Brook Dries Up

So Elijah did as the Lord told him and camped beside Kerith Brook, east of the Jordan. The ravens brought him bread and meat each morning and evening, and he drank from the brook. But after a while the brook dried up, for there was no rainfall anywhere in the land.
1 Kings 17:5-7

The man of God is being obedient. The Lord gave him instructions and Elijah did exactly as he was told. And as a result, Elijah saw the Lord's provision. Everything Elijah needed was taken care of. For a while.

"But after a while the brook dried up..." Elijah hasn't strayed from doing what God told him to do. He is still living in obedience to the Lord. He is trusting fully in God's provision. And the brook dries up.

The Bible doesn't tell us how Elijah responded at this time. It couldn't have been this big surprise for the prophet. I mean, he's been hanging out by this brook during a time of drought, and I'm sure that over time the formerly gushing brook gradually slowed to a trickle before drying up completely. So Elijah had to see this coming. My guess is that he's sitting there and he's watching and he's thinking, "The water's not moving as fast as it used to... Guess the Lord is getting ready to do something..." And as the water slowed a bit more, "You know, Lord, anytime now would be nice..." And the water's just trickling, "Hey, God, I'm still out here, You know... You got another plan for me?" And then there's nothing! "God?! Hello!?!?! You still there, God? I'm still HERE! Like YOU said! What now?" And it's like the Lord sort of leaves him hanging...

We don't know the time frame between verse 7 and verse 8, but what we know is that eventually - sometime AFTER the brook dried up - Then the Lord said to Elijah, "Go...." (1 Kings 17:8a).

God was not surprised that the brook had dried up. He had seen it coming. He could have prevented it from drying up, but He didn't. He was getting ready to do something new in Elijah's life. God was preparing a new place of ministry for Elijah, and He was preparing Elijah for a new place of ministry. God had not forgotten Elijah or Elijah's need.

Is the brook drying up where you are today? Has it already dried up? I want you (and me!) to be encouraged today - God is not going to stop providing for you. It may look that way at the moment, but the nature of God does not change. He is good and He is loving, and He always has your best interest at heart.

So while you are waiting by the drying brook, be encouraged - it just may be that God is preparing to do something new in your life. Wait for His provision, and I suspect you will find - as Elijah did - that God will supply (in HIS time and in HIS way) all that you need.

Just a thought...