03.10.09

So he (the prophet Elijah) went and did according to the word of the Lord, for he went and stayed by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening; and he drank from the brook. And it happened after a while that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land. Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.” - 1 Kings 17:5-9.

O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. - Psalm 6:31.

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. - Hebrews 11:6.

What would you do if you were out on a boat fishing and your boat was sinking? Would you keep on fishing until your boat was underwater; or would you stop fishing, and return to shore if possible? In Escambia County, Florida, four people were out fishing on a pontoon boat, and continued fishing, even though the water was washing over the pontoons. Florida Fish and Wildlife received a report from the public about a boat sinking, and they sent officers out to check out the report. It was true, the boat was sinking, and the people onboard seemed to be oblivious to their dangerous situation continuing to enjoy fishing.  

The officers ordered the pontoon boat to return to shore, and once on shore, they discovered that holes had been drilled in the pontoons to drain water. However, the plugs used to seal the holes were not waterproof or watertight. When asked if he was aware of the boat’s condition prior to being contacted by Florida Fish and Wildlife officers, the operator said, “The boat was dragging a bit on the way out.”

If you are on a boat that is sinking it may be time to abandon ship, or to at least consider calling for help. If your employment comes to an end, action is needed. You need to consider your options. Elijah the great prophet of the Old Testament was being obedient to the will of God when he went to the Brook Cherith. There at the brook was water, and God sent ravens to bring the prophet food. It is vital to see that even though Elijah was obedient to God; and in God’s will for his life, eventually the brook still dried up.

When someone loses their employment, or some other bad thing happens, it does not necessarily mean that they have been living outside of God’s will. It does often indicate that a change of direction may be needed. Elijah could no longer remain at the brook, and God told him where to go next. God told Elijah to, “Arise, go to Zarephath.” It was a place that was suffering from the drought that was upon the land so it might not have been Elijah’s first choice; and in addition, the widow he was to stay with was almost out of food. Elijah chose to obey, and God continued to supernaturally provide for his needs and for the needs of the widow and her son.

When your boat is sinking the time for fishing is over. It is time to call for help. When the boat carrying Jesus and His disciples was sinking in a storm (Matthew 4:35-41), the disciples knew what to do. They woke up Jesus and Jesus calmed the storm with three words, “Peace, be still!”

Whatever storm that your boat may be sinking in, whether it is a storm of sin, or a storm caused by the loss of employment, or something else - the solution is still the same. Seek the Lord and follow Him (Matthew 7:7-8; Hebrews 11:6).