This was a dry and dark time for those who followed the God of Israel. Prophets were hiding in caves, some were walking carefully among the people, and in the courts, it was not a safe time to be a believer. After Elijah's bold prophecy, God hides him by the brook Cherith and commands the ravens to feed him. Once the brook dries up, God commands a widow woman in Zeraphath to care for God's man.
From the conversation, it seems she reluctantly offers Elijah hospitality, yet God cares for all of them by providing a never-ending source of oil and meal. But when her son falls ill and dies, she begins to doubt whether Elijah was indeed a genuine prophet. Elijah, too, seems to question God's action toward the widow woman, and cries to the Lord to restore the child.
As the child stands again before his mother, her words are, "Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and that the word of the Lord in thy mouth is truth" (vs 24).
Why tell this story today? Because dry times do come. There are times when following Christ is difficult, and sometimes downright scary. We might feel like hiding away. We may need discernment in how we present ourselves to others. We may be in a dry patch, feeling alone with God as our only companion, or we may be on the edge, living solely by faith in God's provision.
But during dry times, we need not dry up on the inside. God's promises hold true. His Word remains and refreshes the thirsty soul. Continue doing what God has commanded. Speak for Him. Place your faith in Him, according to what He has said and how He has worked in the past. His integrity is impeccable.
Serve, give, and love according to what He has directed, for there is the place of provision, protection, deliverance, and blessing. God will prove Himself faithful. Dry times are not dry to Him.
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