If the ever loving and compassionate Lord takes away something from us we must believe that it’s for something better. Let’s see the story written in one of the books of John Muller about God’s love. One day, a man went to a toy shop with his daughter. The little girl looked around the shop in delight. Her eyes fell upon a beautiful doll and she insisted to her father to have it. The father picked up the doll, but when he saw that it was a little dirty he kept it back. Then he picked up another doll kept inside the shop and gave it to his daughter. The little girl was delighted to see the doll which was more beautiful than the other. God does the same with us. If he takes away from us it is to give us better.
The name Elijah brings to us the readings of a prophet who was empowered by the Lord. He was also an ordinary like you and me, and fell weak before trails. He wanted to die when he was faced with hunger and danger.
(1 Kings 19:4) reads, 4 while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.”
But there too the Lord protected him was provided him with food. The food not only satisfied his hunger but also gave him the strength to travel for forty days and forty nights.
Hearing the words of God, prophet Elijah hid himself in Kerith Ravine. A raven used to bring him bread and meat both in the morning and in the evening, and he drank water from the brook. Ravens are scavengers, birds that are known to snatch away food from people and animals. Our Lord, the Creator, ordered the raven to bring food to Elijah and it did so. Elijah lived with ease by the food brought by the raven and the water from the brook (1 Kings 17: 6): 6 The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.
Sometime later the brook dried up as there was a severe drought. We can understand the harsh conditions the people were living from this. There was no rain in the land for three years. There was no cultivation, no farming, no food or water. What happened to prophet Elijah????? He was looked after by the Lord still.
Our situation is the same. We turn a blind eye to the homeless, the hungry and those who lack even the basic amenities in life. We do think that we will ever face this situation.
When the brook dried up, Elijah was worried and anxious as to what will happen to him. Believe that when the Lord closes one door, He will open another door. Living in a house is so much safer than living in a ravine next to a brook. The Lord asked Elijah to go to Zarephath. He had instructed a widow to look after him (1 Kings 17: 9): 9 “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” The Lord’s plan was not meant to restrict Elijah’s life to a deserted ravine devoid of any human contact. The Lord’s plan included to save the life of a widow and son who had decided to end their life after being defeated by life’s hardships. (1 Kings 17: 7-24)
The Lord in (1 Kings 18:32-46) we read that the Lord walked besides Elijah and stood before him when he came face to face with idol worshipping prophets of Baal. His mission didn’t end there. He later anointed Jehu, son of Nimshi as king over Israel,(1 Kings 19:16) and Elisha as his own successor as prophet.
The brook at Kerith Ravine dried up so that the mission plans of Elijah may expand.
Children of God, when our brooks dry up do not despair or be anxious, rather have faith and believe in the plan of God for us. (Isaiah 30:21) we read 21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” He walks besides us in all directions. Believe in His words and walk forward in faith and submission. Walk on and on…..
Jehovah Roi 