One of my favourite Bible Characters is the prophet Elijah. There is something of absolute realism about him that seems to resonate, particularly in these challenging times.
READ: 1 Kings 17:1-7
After Elijah had told King Ahab that there would be no rain ‘until further notice’; God tells Elijah to go and hide by the Brook Kerith; in other words, go to a place of separation – which in itself seems a strange request!
Separation is something that a lot of people can relate to right now as they find themselves separated from family, friends and colleagues. So, for many people the place where they find their identity, security and significance has been removed from them.
But God deliberately separated Elijah out for a time and for a purpose, so let’s assume that God has allowed this separation for us too. In the remote place, God provided water for Elijah from the Brook Kerith, and He used ravens to bring Elijah bread and meat. They were an unlikely and unexpected source, because ravens steal food, they don’t relinquish it. You will have seen the TV Commercial, ‘Did anyone say, ‘Just Eat’…and I don’t suppose for one moment that Elijah expected his ‘takeaway’ to be ‘deliverood’ by ravens!!!!!!!!
But God is a God of surprises, and a God who sustains us in difficult circumstances. Elijah spent time alone with God at the brook for almost 18 months, and during that time got to know God in a way that he’d never known Him before, and to see Him do things he’d never seen before.
Maybe sometimes we have to deliberately remove ourselves from people or situations, and when we do, we will see God move in ways we’ve never experienced before.
The place of separation was also a place of shielding for Elijah because, unbeknown to him, King Ahab was looking for him to kill him. If you find yourself separated from those things and people you feel you really need, draw closer to God and see Him surprise, shield and sustain you.
Max Lucado has written a book entitled, ‘Grace for the moment’: and as we have negotiated our way through a very different and challenging year, I believe that God has given each of us ‘Grace for the moment’. There may be times when things didn’t work out as we planned or hoped. I suspect the same could be said of Elijah, but God is always working out his plans and purposes and all He requires is an obedient heart, willing to trust Him in everything situation.
Time with God at the Brook Kerith was a turning point in Elijah’s life – maybe the time you are spending with God will be the springboard for greater things that God has planned for you.
Be blessed and encouraged!
‘Tis grace that brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home’……….