When The Brook Dries Up, God Provides Another Source

WHEN THE BROOK DRIES UP, GOD PROVIDES ANOTHER SOURCE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Kings 17:1-9

Supporting Texts: Psalm 34:10, Isaiah 43:19, Philippians 4:19, Genesis 22:13-14

INTRODUCTION

Life is filled with seasons of change. There are times when what once sustained us seems to vanish. Just like the brook that once provided water to Elijah dried up, sometimes the channels God has used to bless us come to an unexpected end. It may be a job loss, a broken relationship, or the end of a financial stream—but it is not the end of God’s provision.

In 1 Kings 17, Elijah experienced God’s miraculous provision during a severe drought. First, God provided through a brook and ravens. But when the brook dried up, God had already prepared another source—a widow in Zarephath. This reminds us that while our resources may change, our Source—God—remains unchanging and ever faithful.

This message is for anyone whose brook has dried up—physically, financially, emotionally, or spiritually. God wants to remind you today that the drying up of one provision is not the end, but often the beginning of a new miracle.

1. GOD USES UNEXPECTED MEANS TO PROVIDE

a) God provided for Elijah through ravens

– Ravens are not nurturing birds, yet God used them to feed His prophet daily (1 Kings 17:4-6).

b) God often uses what seems illogical

– His ways are not our ways. What may look impossible becomes the very channel for provision (Isaiah 55:8-9).

c) Divine provision is not limited to one method

– God is creative in His supply; when one channel closes, another opens (Philippians 4:19).

d) Trust in the God of the process

– Don’t worship the brook, trust the One who made it flow. He can raise another.

Biblical Example: In the wilderness, God provided manna and quails from heaven for the Israelites when there was no food (Exodus 16:12-15).

2. WHEN A BROOK DRIES UP, IT'S A SIGNAL, NOT A SENTENCE

a) Dry brooks signal a shift in divine direction

– The drying brook wasn't a punishment but a transition point (1 Kings 17:7-9).

b) God sometimes allows loss to redirect us

– When one door closes, another opens—often with greater purpose (Isaiah 43:19).

c) Don’t stay mourning over a dry brook

– Elijah didn’t stay complaining. He listened for the next instruction from God.

d) Be attentive to divine instructions in seasons of change

– God’s guidance is key to walking into your next provision.

Biblical Example: Abraham was redirected to a ram caught in the thicket when Isaac was on the altar—God had another provision ready (Genesis 22:13-14).

3. OBEDIENCE IS THE BRIDGE TO THE NEXT MIRACLE

a) Elijah obeyed even when it made no sense

– He left the familiar brook for an unknown widow’s house (1 Kings 17:10).

b) Miracles are often waiting on the other side of obedience

– God’s provision is often unlocked by taking a step of faith (Hebrews 11:8).

c) Delayed obedience can delay provision

– Immediate obedience brought Elijah to the next level of God’s plan.

d) Obedience leads to sustained provision

– At Zarephath, the oil and flour didn’t run dry throughout the famine.

Biblical Example: Peter obeyed Jesus by casting his net again and caught a great multitude of fish (Luke 5:4-6).

4. GOD’S PROVISION IS TIED TO PURPOSE

a) God’s supply is connected to His mission for your life

– Elijah was not just being fed; he was being prepared for greater prophetic work.

b) The next source may stretch your faith

– A poor widow didn’t look like a source, but she became a vessel for a miracle.

c) Sometimes, your provision is also someone else’s miracle

– As God provided for Elijah, the widow and her son were also sustained.

d) Purpose-driven provision never runs dry

– When you are walking in purpose, God ensures the resources will align.

Biblical Example: Jesus multiplied five loaves and two fish to feed thousands because it was part of His mission (Matthew 14:19-21).

5. GOD IS STILL YOUR SOURCE—NOT THE BROOK

a) Resources may change, but God does not

– The brook dried, but God was still faithful (Malachi 3:6).

b) Anchor your faith in God, not in things

– Don’t confuse the provision with the Provider (Psalm 121:1-2).

c) God's resources are limitless

– He owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10).

d) Rest in His unfailing provision

– If one stream ends, expect another, because God is not done with you.

Biblical Example: Job lost everything, but God restored him double in the end (Job 42:10).

CONCLUSION:

The drying of the brook is never the end for a child of God. It’s a divine invitation to trust God for something greater. Elijah’s journey shows us that every closed door or ended season can be the prelude to a new and miraculous provision from God. You may not understand the "why" behind the dryness, but you can trust the One who controls the rain.