In what ways can we trust God when resources seem depleted today? The Dry Brook Reality “Some time later, however, the brook dried up because there was no rain in the land.” (1 Kings 17:7) Elijah’s only visible water source vanished. Nothing Elijah had done caused the drought; yet he faced the same empty creek bed everyone else did. God recorded this moment to teach us how to trust Him when our own “brooks” run dry. Why God Sometimes Lets the Brook Dry • To shift our confidence from the resource to the Source (Jeremiah 17:7). • To move us to the next stage of His plan (1 Kings 17:8-9). • To display His sufficiency against a backdrop of insufficiency (2 Corinthians 12:9). • To invite others into the story of provision—the widow of Zarephath was blessed because Elijah’s brook dried up (1 Kings 17:10-16). Lessons From Elijah for Today 1. Remember what God has already done. Ravens had just fed Elijah (1 Kings 17:4-6). Past faithfulness predicts future faithfulness. 2. Wait for God’s word before you move. Elijah stayed by the brook until “the word of the LORD came to him” (verse 8). Impatience often compounds lack. 3. Obey the next instruction even when it looks illogical. A starving widow did not look like a reliable provider, yet obedience opened the door to daily miracles. 4. Give out of scarcity. Elijah asked the widow to share her last meal; her obedience unlocked continual supply (Luke 6:38). 5. Expect God to use unexpected channels. The Source is constant; the channels change. He may provide through a job change, a gift, a skill you’ve overlooked. Practical Ways to Trust God When Resources Seem Depleted • Speak His promises aloud instead of rehearsing fears. • Budget and act responsibly, yet refuse to hoard in panic (Proverbs 11:24-25). • Keep giving—time, encouragement, even finances—believing His math outmatches yours (Malachi 3:10). • Seek first His kingdom; needs follow pursuit of Him (Matthew 6:31-33). • Surround yourself with testimonies of provision to strengthen faith (Hebrews 10:24-25). Anchoring Promises to Stand On • “And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19) • “I have been young and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous abandoned or his children begging for bread.” (Psalm 37:25) • “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8) • “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1) Modern “Brook-Drying” Examples and God’s Provision • Job loss leading to a new vocation better fitted to one’s calling. • Medical bills met through anonymous gifts. • Churches seeing offerings dip, then missionaries supported through surprising grants. • Families downsizing and discovering deeper joy and stronger relationships. Encouragement for the Present Moment A dry brook is not a dead end; it is a divine intersection. The absence you see is an avenue for God to reveal Himself. Trust His heart, obey His voice, watch new streams appear, and let today’s shortage become tomorrow’s testimony of His limitless supply. |
    |