English – Some time later, the brook dried up.–1 Kings 17:7 (NIV)

    When we read the life of prophet Elijah, something odd stands out. “Some time later, the brook dried up.” – 1 Kings 17:7. Because when we read the verses 3-4 in the same chapter, we understand it was the LORD who commanded Elijah to hide near the brook of Kerith (or Cherith) and to drink water from the brook. Now, the same brook has dried up.

    Child of God! Are you in the same situation today? You prayed, asked the LORD for His command about your future, you followed His word, but now that door is closed. That brook has dried up. Are you confused what to do now? Don’t fret, don’t fear, for the LORD of Hosts, the God of Elijah is with us as He was with Elisha.

     But to understand the guidance of our LORD, we should understand how the life of Elijah mirrors our own. Let us look at only the name today. Elijah the Tishbite. This name is mentioned 6 times for the prophet. What does it mean? Does that make any sense to us?

     Elijah means the LORD is my God (my God is Jehovah). Yes, it refers to all of us who have chosen the LORD Jesus Christ as our Savior, as our God. And, remember, at Mt. Carmel, where the Israelites scored one of the biggest spiritual victories in their history, they cried out, proclaiming, “The LORD is God.” Yes, dear child of God, are you downcast today by the turn of events? Take heart, look at the LORD, for there is a multitude waiting for you to proclaim that the LORD is our God. Amen.

    Tishbite means “captive of” or “make captive of”. So, Elijah was captive of something… of what? Remember that I mentioned that this name was mentioned exactly 6 times in the Bible. Number 6 implies deeds of flesh. As everyone knows, the sign of anti-Christ is 666. So, it is clear that the Bible tells us, like you and me, the great prophet was also captive of his flesh. He had the same problems we have today. Depression, too much emotions, frustrations, doubts, hunger, thirst. All these were in Elijah too. That is why the Bible later says that “Elijah was a human being with a nature as we have (with feelings, affections, and a constitution like ours).” – James 5:17 (AMP).

    Oh dear child of God, are you confused about the LORD’s guidance in your life? Are you not sure if you are on the right track? Are common sense and experience waging a battle against your faith? Take heart. Elijah also went through the same thing.

   Imagine the timing of the LORD’s command. Elijah had just stood before Ahab and proclaimed that there would be no rain unless he, Elijah, commands again. It would be an historical moment for the prophet. But the LORD tells him right after that to hide himself in the brook of Kerith. Imagine how Elijah would have felt.

    Probably you know the feeling already. When troubles came against you, when people who had power over you rose against you, you stood your ground. You proclaimed your faith, with your head held high, you said how the LORD is going to do great things in your life. Your enemy stood ashamed before you. And, you thought that things are going to be different. Probably you thought he is going to repent and change his ways. Or probably that the LORD would do something great before the eyes of your enemies and exalt you. But, NO, NO, NO. Instead the LORD asked you to hide yourself. HE separated you from all your friends. You are left alone, with no one to confide in. And, deep in the night, your pillows are wet with tears, as your soul is crying out, “But, LORD, I am not asking for great things. All I need is just one friend with who I can talk to.” Probably Elijah also cried out like that.

   But the LORD separated you because HE wants to spend time with you. HE wants to talk to you, He wants to listen to what you have to say, the LORD wants to strengthen you, and most importantly, HE is changing you in to this glorious vessel that HE is going to take in His hands and use mightily – just like He used Elijah.

   One day came, and even that brook dried up. Probably you are facing the same situation today. The brook that was your only comfort has also dried up. You are not able to hear the music the brook created when it was running. It is absolute silent everywhere. But, listen carefully, dear child of God…. there is the sound of breeze there. A very soft gentle sound. (1 Kings. 19:12). A new command is given to you. A new door is open for you. A new life where you don’t have to worry about the waters of Kerith. A new door where people survive because of you. A new beginning where you become a blessing unto others. A new way where instead of ravens feeding you, the angel of the LORD will feed you. Are you ready to hear that voice? Are you ready to hear that gentle command? Because if you are, then there is only way to go from here. You will be crowned in the glory of our LORD, while you will see the fall of your enemies. You will see Ahab receiving the fatal blow. You will see Jezebel being pushed from where she is. So, dear child of God, take heart. Have hope. Believe. For your Creator is pleased with you and your faith.

Bible Verse: “Look, I have set an open door before you that no one can shut. Because I know you have little strength, yet you obeyed My word and did not deny Me.” – Rev. 3:8.