Necessary Preparation

King Ahab and Queen Jezebel were among the most wicked rulers in Israel’s history. Not only did they promote the worship of Baal, but they also tried to wipe out the prophets of God. It fell to Elijah to confront the king and warn him of God’s judgment. In 1 Kings 17:1, Elijah informed Ahab that Israel would experience a drought that would last for years.

Then God did something unexpected. Instead of building on that significant moment and initiating the inevitable showdown with the prophets of Baal, God chose a different path for Elijah. According to verses 2–4, “Then the Lord said to Elijah, ‘Go to the east and hide by Kerith Brook, near where it enters the Jordan River. Drink from the brook and eat what the ravens bring you, for I have commanded them to bring you food’” (NLT).

In other words, “I have a different plan in mind for you, Elijah. I want you to disappear from the scene for a while. In fact, I want you to go to this little brook called Kerith and just hang out there.”

And that’s what Elijah did. He may have been a man of action, but first and foremost he was a man of faith and obedience. So, he went to a place of total obscurity. He took a time-out from his normal prophetic duties.

The reality is that sometimes God will use us and then say, “Now I’m going to work on you for a while. You’re not ready for what I have for you next. I’ve got to whip you into shape a little more.” That’s what He was doing with Elijah.

It wasn’t a time for action; it was a time for stillness and reflection. It wasn’t a time for striving; it was a time for prayer and study. It wasn’t a time for proving; it was a time for growing.

Maybe you’ve experienced a similar unexpected sidelining. Maybe there were cutbacks at work, and you were let go. Maybe you had a ministry that was flourishing but suddenly is now floundering. Perhaps sickness has altered your plans. You’ve had to make changes, and it seems like the end. But maybe it isn’t the end at all. Maybe it’s a new beginning.

The natural reaction to such circumstances is to become anxious or impatient. We may begin to question God, His methods, or His timing. Or we may try to force His hand by taking matters into our own hands. The apostle Paul recommended a different strategy: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7 NLT).

God may have closed a door for you because He has another door ready to open at any time. Here’s what you need to do: Wait on the Lord and be faithful to Him. Often the things we go through in life are preparation for something else. Know that God is preparing you for something in your future.

Reflection question: What might God be preparing you for? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

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