1 Kings 17:1-8

In these passages we are introduced to one of the greatest prophets the Lord has ever used to speak to His people. In verses 3 & 4 God commands Elijah to

3 "Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan

4 And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there."

If we look further into the meaning of the word "Cherith", we see it is defined as "A cutting; separation."

In this case, it seems very fitting that God would choose to send Elijah there to hide, for He was preparing him for his ministry, and when God prepares you for His work, He always "separates" His chosen from everyone else. It is also there where He tends to "cut away" all of His chosen’s imperfections, refining them until they are as pure as silver.
                                  
In verses 5 & 6 we find that Elijah didn’t question God as to what He had commanded him to do. He was obedient and just did it, although I may have had a question or two in regards to hiding there and depending on some birds to feed me. But Elijah wasn’t depending on the birds to feed him; he was depending on God to provide for him. God told him He had already made the provisions for his sustenance, and he put his trust on God’s Word.

Now we come to verse 7, the most important one in this passage: "And it came to pass after a while, that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land."

Why did God send Elijah to this brook, which was supposed to keep Elijah with an abundant supply of water,(remember, there was a drought in all the land) and then allow the brook to dry up?

Because just when Elijah was probably feeling "comfortable" in this place, knowing he could depend on the brook for his water, God wanted to make sure Elijah would learn to only depend on Him, "Jehovah-Jireh", our provider.

God always makes His provisions for our needs in advance. It’s us getting to the point where we are able to "unite" our needs with His provision that we are sometimes uncertain of. But if we learn to trust in Him alone, if we are obedient to His leading, He will always lead us to where our needs will be met.

Let me ask you now, my brethren: Has your brook dried up? If you feel it has, maybe God is telling you that it’s time to "move forward." Trust in Him. He will provide your every need. Depend on Him only for all and He will never fail you.

If your brook has dried up, as mine just did, don’t be worried, afraid, or ashamed. If you look at all of the great men and women of God in the Bible, their brooks dried up. Joseph thrown into a pit to die by his own brothers… His brook dried up!! Abraham after so many years wanting a son, God finally gives him one, then COMMANDS him to offer his son, which he so longed for, as a sacrifice to Him. His brook dried up!! He was getting ready to sacrifice his son out of obedience to God. Genesis 22:7 - 8 And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said........ behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering. This was the foretelling of Jesus as the Lamb without blemish. Abraham believed God when He said his seed would be as the sands of the earth and Abraham knew God would provide. read all of Genesis 22. These are just two examples of the people God has used greatly to do His work, my brethren!

So when you feel your brook has dried up, don’t despair: rejoice! For this means that God is preparing to take you to a different level. One where you will be better prepared to handle whatever lowly satan throws your way. And you can use your experience to comfort and encourage your brethren that may be faced with their brook drying up.

Father, I thank You for Your wisdom, Lord. Thank You for allowing my brook to dry up, so that I may be forced to leave the area that I once found comfortable. Thank You for letting me know it is time to move to another level, dear God. Thank You for showing me that the only one I should be depending on for my every need is You, Lord. 

Father, I ask You in the Precious Name of Your Son, Jesus, that I may be of some help and encouragement for some of my brethren who’s brooks may be drying up, Lord. May You lead me in Your perfect ways, dear God, so that I may also be an instrument to guide others to Your provision when their brooks dry up.

Father, may we all serve as a "rest stop" to those who are spiritually "passing through" their brook. That we may be obedient to You in supplying the needs of Your children when You send them our way. I ask these things in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Your son,

Joe.