When Our Brook Dries Up

When we first meet Elijah, God tells him to hide from King Ahab in the Kerith Ravine. Elijah had just declared there would be no rain in Israel until he said so, and Ahab wasn’t a very forgiving ruler.

During his exile, Elijah drank from the brook in the ravine, and the ravens brought him bread and meat every morning and evening. We don’t know how long God had Elijah down there, but verse 7 tells us, “some time later, the brook dried up…” 

I don’t know if you’ve ever had a brook dry up on you. But it doesn’t always feel great. It happens when God’s provision stops coming from a particular direction. He was supplying your needs in one way, but then He stopped. He doesn’t always tell you why, but He’s giving you a signal. “It’s time to move on. I’ve got something new for you to do.”

Losing your brook can be frustrating. You were comfortable. Things were just beginning to work well. You were getting good at doing what you were doing. You were making plans to build a house near your brook so that you could stay there forever. Then…surprise! He took it away.

I think I know why God takes our brooks away. It’s because we like them too much.

When we get comfortable, we stop growing or having an impact on our environment. By drying up the brook, He forces us to search out His provision in another place.

What if Elijah had never left the brook? What if he had kicked the dirt and moaned to God about how much he liked and deserved the brook? What would have happened to the widow and her son? Who would have won the victory against Ahab’s prophets? Who would have passed the mantle to Elisha?

It doesn’t do much good to complain when God dries up our brook. It’s okay to be sad, but the sooner we get up and get moving, the sooner He can show us our next assignment.

Lord, help me to trust You when my brook dries up. Give me Your Holy Spirit to guide me toward obedience when I’d much rather stay in that comfy place You provided. And lead me to where you want me to be – I want to follow. Amen.

This devotion provided by Michael Kientz of Compassion International, Senior Learning and Development Specialist and Child Advocate