“Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah:
“Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan.
You will drink from the brook, and I have ordered the ravens to feed you there.”
1 Kings 17:2-4
Insight:
If I’m honest, there are times when watching football games seems far more appealing than reading a couple of chapters from the Bible. Spending a few hours on my Twitter account is more desirable than bending my knees for a few minutes to pray. How often would you rather sleep in on Sunday morning instead of going to church?
I have occasionally left church after a service realizing I hadn’t even entered into worship. Like the gauges in my car that let me know I’m low on gas or oil, it’s wise for me to pay attention to these signs because they are indicators for me that my spiritual life is becoming dehydrated. Like a literal drought, we can experience spiritual droughts. How do we respond to these dry seasons of testing?
God sometimes gives us some unusual directions to see if we will trust and follow Him. How strange would it be to let ravens bring dinner? It was all part of God’s creative delivery plan. There was a national drought and a shortage of food and water. The prophet Elijah was not sure how to make it through such discouraging circumstances. He made the right decision by turning to God and relying on Him. His actions set the example for the nation.
Elijah’s name means, “The Lord is my God” and that is what he demonstrated. The nation had turned to gods who claimed to have control over the rain clouds. Through Elijah, God demonstrated His merciful provision and unmatched ability. God was looking for people who would walk with faith and look to Him. It’s during the dry times that we can learn to trust God and not to let negative feelings, discouragement, or temptations run our lives.
Application:
We all face dry times spiritually. Similar to Elijah, we may be surrounded by people who are turning away from God. Or sometimes we find ourselves just going through the motions. Let’s take a closer look at what Elijah did during this difficult spiritual dry spell:
1) Stay In The Word. Elijah listened to God. It is especially important that we keep our ears open during dry times. Keep listening. And keep reading God’s Word, the Bible, even if it does not appear to be influencing anything in our lives.
2) Stay Faithful. We need to follow God even when emotionally we feel unenthusiastic or unmotivated. Elijah went to the Kerith Ravine simply because he was told to go. Obedience leads to blessings.
3) Stay Calm. We all have times that are dry spiritually; it is normal. Don’t panic. God has not forgotten about us. Like Elijah, rest in this truth.
4) Stay Open. Elijah was willing to be fed by ravens. God might have an unusual way of providing for us. Don’t ignore His small blessings and His unlikely sources. If there is something in our lives He wants to change, stay open to that too.
Questions:
1) How much of your faith is based on emotions?
2) What is true about God even when we don’t feel it?
3) What do you usually do when your spiritual life is going through a dry spell?
4) Which of the four application points is most helpful for you?
5) Do you have a friend that helps to encourage you spiritually?
Deeper Study:
1 Kings 17:1-24. God has unlimited, creative ways He can
provide for you.
Psalm 143. Choosing to submit to God is a key to your recovery.
1 Kings 19:1-18. God pulls us out of being self-centered and fearful.
Ezekiel 37:1-14. The real source of spiritual vitality is God; the Holy Spirit gives life.
2 Timothy 1:16-18. God can bring someone into your life that refreshes your faith.
Prayer:
Almighty God, You know how much I need You. On my own, I can get caught up just following my feelings and being overwhelmed by my circumstances. Please help me to think clearly and make good decisions. Thank You that You always care about me and you can provide in any spiritual drought. I want to stay receptive to Your solutions, directions, and promptings. I give You the glory in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Excerpt republished with permission from A New Season by Jesse Bradley c. 2013.
Honestly, Pastor, I have been angry and bitter at God for this unfortunate dry season that is occurring in my life currently in my early twenties. Not much is happening, such as, I have been unemployed for a few years, I still don’t have a car to drive, I haven’t had any good friends in approximately 7 years (this is where I use profanity at God), I am struggling in college pertaining to money, I missed on life too much and, worst of all, two failed suicide attempts in 2015 – 16. Actually, I am envious of some certain people in my life who really have what I desparately need and misuse it. Without money, what can I do? I have been praying for a part-time job, so I can earn money and tithe, but I have been rejected even though I was the most qualified (not saying it arrogantly). Bottom-line truth: I need God (if He wants to or not) to bless (or attain) a better car, a major financial blessing for university, good breaks, divine connections, favor in numerous fascinating ways, divine acceleration, wisdom, opportunities and restoration pertaining to living life (multiplying and extending my days). Please feel free to either email or call me (2817075010).
This is such a great article! God desires that we mature in the faith. God bless you!