Dry Brook

Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.  Hebrews 11:1 (NLT)

An Old Testament story records that when God declared a drought on the land of Israel, He did not forget his prophet, Elijah. He sent him to the Kerith Brook where He fed him by way of ravens and instructed him to drink from the brook. I would imagine that Elijah thought it was a pretty easy life, considering what was going on around him, with fresh food brought morning and evening and water flowing right next to his camp. Yet, as the drought continued, the water began to evaporate and the water slowed to a trickle. It happened after a while that the brook dried up, because there was no rain in the land. 1 Kings 17:7 (NASB) Now, if I were the camper, I would have already explored Plan B – just in case. This is the part where faith comes into the story. Faith occurs when you can't see two steps in front of you and God seems to have given you impossible instructions. Water is essential for life, especially in the arid land of Israel…but Elijah didn't panic, he waited. During stressful times, I often find myself wanting to take control and make my own way of escape. I may even have a little faith if there is a small inkling of a way out. Yet, God's plan is not accomplished through my flimsy schemes or tiny faith. His way is always better...I just have to wait. The story continues and the Lord sent Elijah to Zaraphat to live with a widow where more miracles occurred and this woman witnessed the power of God. The woman said to Elijah, "I see it all now—you are a holy man. When you speak, God speaks—a true word!" 1 Kings 17:24 (The Message) She saw that Elijah lived by his faith in the one true God. Remember, the ultimate result of faith is that we glorify God so that others may come to Him. The brook may dry up, but be assured that God is faithful. Wait!