Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “Get away from here and turn eastward, and hide by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan.” (1 Kings 17:2-3 NKJV)
As 2020 began, I felt I had arrived at the place I worked so hard for. With a full calendar, I began turning down speaking engagements to avoid taking on too much. Then it all came to a screeching halt with Covid.
I didn’t like this new place I found myself in. No sales, no live events, and no church. Why would God allow this to continue? He’s called many of us to do His work, but now we can’t. It made no sense.
Meet Elijah. He needs no introduction. This great prophet came on the scene out of some little place called Tishbi nestled in the mountains. God used this mountain man from some insignificant place to speak to King Ahab. Why wouldn’t God use some scholarly prophet from Jerusalem? How did Mountain Man get a word with the most wicked king Israel had known? God works like that.
Elijah told Ahab God had shut up the heavens due to Israel’s idolatry. Ahab had caused all of Israel to worship Baal instead of the true God.
Then God tucked Elijah away from Ahab in a remote area by the Brook Cherith, which means to cut away or separate. This protected Elijah, but he’s Your number one man, God. You need Elijah hosting retreats and filling stadiums, not sitting by a creek. God works like that.
Elijah handled his isolation better than me. He waited in total obedience for God to move him to the next place. No complaining.
Does God have you somewhere you don’t want to be? Perhaps you find yourself recuperating from surgery, taking care of a loved one, or homeschooling your kids, and your dreams, your hopes, and maybe even your ministry seems to have stalled out.
God sets us aside to work on us. He requires our full attention. He breaks our self-reliance and forces us to depend on Him.
God prepared Elijah for something greater, the showdown at Mount Carmel. Friend, God wants to prepare you for something great. We might not like where we sit today, but today is a stepping stone on the path to tomorrow. Can we trust God without knowing His plans? Elijah did, and I know we can too.
Lord, help me remember these days may look bleak, but You have put me here for a reason. You are preparing me for work You have planned for tomorrow. In Jesus’s name. Amen.
DIG DEEPER
Read Romans 8:28 NKJV:
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
HIKING THE TRAIL
How can you change your perspective today about the situation you find yourself in? What is one thing you can implement today?
RELATED RESOURCE
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Originally posted on January 14, 2022 @ 3:00 am