Boot Camp

"Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah: 'Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan.'"
1 Kings 17:2-3 (NIV)

Elijah just put his life on the line, confronted the king, and delivered God's message to the most powerful man in Israel.

Now surely God rewards him, right? Trophy? Protection detail? At least a nice hotel? Instead, 1 Kings 17:2-3 says God tells him, "Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan." He was sent to a creek in rough, mountainous wilderness. No five star buffet, either. Scavenging birds would bring him breakfast and dinner.

Why did God send Elijah away from everybody? This wasn’t primarily about protection. God could have sent angels. This was about preparation. Before Elijah could serve God better, he needed to know God better. And the best way to know God is to get alone with God.

Moses spent forty years in the desert before leading Israel out of Egypt. Joseph endured twelve years in prison before becoming Egypt's prime minister. Paul spent three years in Arabia before becoming history's greatest missionary. Jesus lived thirty years in obscurity, then forty days in the wilderness, before beginning His ministry.

God always puts preparation before performance. I learned this when I left a church of 3,000 at age fifty to start over with 200 people. Those lonely days and nights taught me, If God doesn't come through, we don't make it.

This week, schedule thirty minutes alone with God. No phone and no distractions. Just you and Him. Ask Him, "What are You preparing me for that I can't see yet?" Then listen and write down what comes to mind.

When you're in the wilderness, remember that God knows exactly what He's doing.

Prayer: Father, I confess I want the to fast forward preparation. But You know I need the creek before the calling. When I don't understand why You've put me in this wilderness season, help me trust that You're preparing me for something I can't yet see. Teach me to know You better so I can serve You better. In Jesus' name, Amen.