Trees Need Wind

"Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain on the land. Then the word of the LORD came to him: ‘Go at once to Zaraphath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food. ” 
1 Kings 17:7-9 (NIV)

You know that moment when you think things can't get worse—and then they do?

Elijah is sitting by a creek in the wilderness. He has survived his confrontation with Israel's most evil king. He has bread, meat, and water. At least he is alive. Then the brook dries up. And it dries up because of what Elijah himself said—in a way, it's his own fault there's no rain.

So what does God do? Send him to a resort? An all-expense-paid vacation? No. God says, "Go at once to Zarephath." That's one hundred miles away on foot—straight into Baal headquarters, Jezebel's hometown. You've heard of the Bible Belt? This is the Baal Belt. 

Elijah is the most wanted man in Israel with a bounty on his head, and God's sending him through open country with no bodyguards to ground zero of paganism.

Then comes the real shock, "I have directed a widow there to supply you with food." A pagan woman. A poor widow with a child. Everything about this situation looks wrong.

But when God makes a promise, He includes the protection. When you place your faith in God, God will test your faith so He can toughen your faith.

In 1987, engineers built Biosphere 2 in Arizona—a perfect ecosystem. But trees kept falling over. They learned that trees need wind resistance to deepen roots and grow stronger bark. Without wind, rain, and storms, trees fall over. So do we. So does our faith.

Maybe your situation has gotten worse, and you're tempted to doubt God's plan. Write a specific promise He has made to you. Then underneath it, list three times He's kept His word before. Remember that God’s track record proves His promise. When things don't seem to be going your way, remember—they're going God's way.

Prayer: Father, thank You that Your promises always include Your protection. When my brook dries up and You send me where I don't want to go, help me remember You're not punishing me—You're toughening my faith. Give me courage to obey even when I don't understand. I'm trusting Your way is better than mine. In Jesus' Name, Amen.