When the Brook Dries Up - Martin Wiles

But after a while the brook dried up, for there was no rainfall anywhere in the land. 1 Kings 17:7 NLT

Life is rarely enjoyable when the brook dries up.

One of the brooks I regularly drink from is writing. God gave me this gift some years ago, and I attempt to use it to honor him. But despite knowing he gave the gift, the brook runs dry more times than I wish.

Rejections. They are never easy for writers. Somehow, our self-esteem gets tangled up in our writing. Rejection letters strike devastating blows. In reality, the manuscript, article, devotion, or poem may be perfectly good, but the editor simply doesn’t have room for it. Yet, our self-esteem suffers. The brook dries up.

Elijah had just delivered a dangerous message to the king: no rain for an extended period. Then the Lord told him to hide by Kerith Brook. His water would come from the brook, and ravens would deliver food. Things went well…until the brook dried up.

Dry brooks come in many forms: financial crashes, relationship upheavals, marriage unfaithfulness, physical limitations, injuries, unemployment, rebellion, and addictions.

When the brook dries up, it isn’t a sign God has left and isn’t working. God is always working behind the scenes. We may not see God’s hand, as we don't see the set preparers at a play, but he’s there nonetheless. When the set changes during a play, we wait for the changers to finish their job. With God, we believe by faith that he is working. We continue doing what we were doing until we receive further instruction. Elijah remained by the dry brook until God told him to visit a nearby village.

When the brook dries up, God may be testing our faith or preparing us for more outstanding service. God tested Abraham’s faith when he told him to sacrifice his only son. God prepared Moses for greater service by having him spend time on the backside of a desert. Elijah was being prepared for greater opportunities. He would soon have a mountain showdown with four hundred pagan prophets.

Dried-up brooks offer the chance to examine our obedience. If we obey God, we can be sure the brook will again overflow its banks. Others may try to discourage us, but our faith and God’s power will carry us through.

Think of better ways to respond when the brook dries up.

Father, when the brooks dry up, increase my faith and determination to follow you obediently and to depend on you for wisdom.

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