When the Brook Runs Dry

Some time later, the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land.  1Kings 17:7

I have been studying the Bible and searching for stories that speak of filling your jars. The entire base of this study is about filling your heart, mind, and soul with the things of God, growing in a knowledge of His Word, praying, and developing a relationship with Him. All of this is needed to live life to the fullest now and in preparation for whatever may come.

This world is constantly changing. Every day, we read stories of events that surprise us, sadden us, or even scare us. At times, our personal lives may feel like they are on the same crazy rollercoaster. One moment, we can be experiencing smooth sailing, the good life, peace, and prosperity, and the next, the brook runs dry. Everything stops. The supply runs out, and a job is lost, a diagnosis is given, the cupboard is empty. It can be overwhelming unless we are grounded in God’s truth.

When life happens, we need to remember that God is in complete control. He has a plan and has allowed things to happen because they fit the purpose of what must take place. When I think about the times in my life that I grew the most in my relationship with God, they were when trials and tests were taking place. It was then that I leaned into Him more, when I trusted Him more, and when I talked with Him more often. Going to God’s Word in times like these is especially helpful and encouraging as we read about His faithfulness, purposes, and promises.

Today’s passage started with the brook going dry, but it continued with God directing Elijah to “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” God had already made provision for Elijah before the brook went dry.

The reason the brook dried up was that God had sent a famine in the land of Israel to get their attention and draw them back to Him. God is sovereign, meaning He has supreme power, absolute authority, and total control over all of creation. He is also a just God. In Daniel 2:20-22 we read;

Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
    wisdom and power are His.
He changes times and seasons;
    He deposes kings and raises up others.
He gives wisdom to the wise
    and knowledge to the discerning.
He reveals deep and hidden things;
    He knows what lies in darkness,
    and light dwells with Him.

Not every time the brook dries up is it because of judgment. Many times, those experiences are used by God to refine us and make us more like Him. When we are experiencing His refining in our lives, we can read stories like this one and be reminded of God’s provision, which is already in place, as well as His promises. Eventually, the testing will end. The drought was to last for 3 1/2 years, and it ended exactly on time.

Rest in the assurance that if the brook runs dry, God has already made provision. He has a plan for you, a plan to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)