When God Shuts The Heavens To Speak To A Nation Series

WHEN GOD SHUTS THE HEAVENS TO SPEAK TO A NATION

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Kings 17:1-24

Supporting Texts: James 5:17-18; Psalm 33:18-19; Philippians 4:19; Hebrews 11:6; Luke 4:25-26

INTRODUCTION:

1 Kings 17 introduces us to one of the most powerful prophets in Scripture—Elijah the Tishbite. In the midst of national apostasy and deepening wickedness under King Ahab and Jezebel, God raises a prophetic voice to confront the nation’s spiritual decay. Elijah appears suddenly with a word of judgment: “There shall be no rain or dew except by my word.”

This chapter is not just about judgment; it is about divine provision, obedience, and the power of faith. Through a series of supernatural events, we see how God takes care of His servant in famine and uses a widow in Zarephath—outside Israel—to sustain him. The chapter ends with the resurrection of the widow’s son, confirming that God is not only a judge but also a compassionate provider and restorer.

Elijah's story is a prophetic call to boldness, faith in scarcity, and trust in divine direction when the natural systems fail.

1. GOD RAISES PROPHETIC VOICES IN TIMES OF NATIONAL CRISIS

Elijah steps into the scene with a prophetic declaration that challenges the spiritual status quo.

a) “As the Lord God of Israel lives… there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word.” (1 Kings 17:1)

Elijah knew his authority and spoke with boldness.

b) Prophetic voices are God’s mouthpiece for warning and redirection

He came with God’s burden, not personal ambition.

c) God uses His prophets to interrupt wickedness and call for repentance

Elijah was confronting the reign of Baal, believed to be the god of rain.

d) True prophetic ministry carries both boldness and brokenness

He was not afraid of the king because he feared the Lord more.

Biblical Example: John the Baptist confronted Herod for his immoral marriage (Mark 6:18).

2. GOD PROVIDES FOR HIS SERVANTS EVEN IN FAMINE

After the pronouncement, God sends Elijah to Cherith, a place of supernatural provision.

a) “I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” (1 Kings 17:4)

God can use the most unlikely vessels to sustain His own.

b) Obedience positions us for provision

Elijah had to go “there” to see the miracle.

c) God is not limited by famine, drought, or economic crisis

He still has ravens and rivers at His command.

d) Divine instructions are often the key to supernatural supply

Elijah moved at God's word and lacked nothing.

Biblical Example: In the wilderness, God fed Israel with manna daily (Exodus 16:4).

3. SOMETIMES GOD SENDS HELP FROM UNEXPECTED PLACES

When the brook dried up, God directed Elijah to Zarephath, a Gentile city.

a) “I have commanded a widow there to sustain you.” (1 Kings 17:9)

God’s provision moved from nature to human vessels.

b) The widow was preparing to die, but became a channel of life

Faith opened the door for both her and Elijah.

c) God honours sacrificial obedience, even from the poor and lowly

She gave what she had, and God sustained her household.

d) Divine connections are often hidden in unlikely places

Sometimes your next blessing is hidden in someone else's act of faith.

Biblical Example: Ruth, a Moabite widow, was placed in Boaz’s field by divine design (Ruth 2:3).

4. OBEDIENCE OPENS THE DOOR TO SUPERNATURAL SUPPLY

The widow’s jar of flour and oil never ran out as she obeyed God’s prophet.

a) “The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry.” (1 Kings 17:16)

God’s supply is tied to continued obedience and faith.

b) Miracles often follow simple, yet costly, acts of obedience

She gave her last, and God gave her lasting provision.

c) Those who trust God in scarcity will never lack

Faith turns scarcity into sufficiency.

d) Obedience unlocks ongoing miracles, not just one-time interventions

Her household survived the famine because she believed and acted.

Biblical Example: The boy’s lunch multiplied in Jesus’ hands (John 6:11-13).

5. GOD USES CRISES TO DEEPEN OUR REVELATION OF HIM

The death and resurrection of the widow’s son proved God’s power in a deeper way.

a) “Now by this I know you are a man of God…” (1 Kings 17:24)

God used a tragedy to confirm His servant and His power.

b) Miracles authenticate divine messengers

The resurrection of the boy removed every doubt.

c) God’s power is not limited to provision—He is the giver of life

He revived what was presumed dead.

d) Sometimes it takes a crisis for others to see God through us

Elijah’s prayer life birthed the miracle.

Biblical Example: Lazarus' death led to a greater revelation of Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25-45).

CONCLUSION:

1 Kings 17 shows us that in times of spiritual and economic famine, God is never without a voice or a plan. Elijah's boldness, the widow’s obedience, and God's miracles remind us that we serve a God who speaks, provides, tests, and resurrects.