When Your Brook Dries Up Series

WHEN YOUR BROOK DRIES UP

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Kings 17:7

Supporting Texts: Ecclesiastes 3:1; Isaiah 43:18-19; Psalm 37:25; Hebrews 13:5; Philippians 4:19

INTRODUCTION:

In 1 Kings 17, God commanded Elijah to hide by the Brook Cherith, promising supernatural provision through ravens and water from the brook. Elijah obeyed, and for a while, he enjoyed divine sustenance in seclusion. But then, verse 7 reveals a turning point—"And it came to pass after a while, that the brook dried up." This moment represents a crucial truth: even God-ordained provisions are sometimes temporary.

We often panic when our brook dries up, whether it’s a job, a relationship, a source of income, or even a ministry opportunity. But when God allows a brook to dry up, it is not a sign of abandonment—it is a sign of transition. God wants us to trust Him beyond the place of comfort and follow Him into the next season of His provision and purpose.

1. GOD SOMETIMES ALLOWS BROOKS TO DRY TO INITIATE TRANSITION

Elijah’s brook did not dry because of disobedience—it dried as part of divine timing.

a) Seasons change by divine appointment

Ecclesiastes 3:1 – "To everything there is a season..." Even God’s blessings can be seasonal.

b) God uses dried brooks to move us out of stagnation

He may shut one door to open a better one. Remaining in expired seasons leads to dryness.

c) The drying brook is not rejection—it’s redirection

God was preparing Elijah for Zarephath, where a widow was waiting.

d) If the brook never dries, we may miss the next dimension of God’s purpose

Some levels of obedience can only be reached through divine interruption.

Biblical Example: Abraham was called to leave Ur for a land he didn’t know—his “brook” had to dry (Genesis 12:1).

2. GOD’S PROVISION IS NOT LIMITED TO ONE SOURCE

When one channel ends, God has already prepared another.

a) God provides by many means, but He remains the source

1 Kings 17:9 – “I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee.”

b) Never confuse the brook with the God of the brook

God used ravens, then a widow—He is not restricted.

c) Trusting the source more than the Source brings disappointment

When we idolise the channel, we resist divine redirection.

d) God’s provision travels ahead of our steps of obedience

The widow was already positioned before Elijah arrived.

Biblical Example: The disciples experienced a miraculous catch after following Jesus’ new instruction (Luke 5:4–6).

3. TRUSTING GOD IN TIMES OF UNEXPLAINED CHANGE BUILDS FAITH

The moment of transition demands deeper trust.

a) When the brook dries, God is not silent—He is speaking a new instruction

Faith requires listening for the next divine direction.

b) Dried brooks are faith tests, not faith failures

God was teaching Elijah to depend on His word, not the water.

c) God does His greatest work in us during uncertain seasons

Uncertainty trains us to rely fully on Him.

d) Faith grows stronger when sight becomes weaker

When the brook disappears, faith must rise.

Biblical Example: Joseph trusted God through transitions—pit, prison, palace (Genesis 37–41).

4. DIVINE INSTRUCTION IS THE BRIDGE TO YOUR NEXT PROVISION

The key to surviving a dry brook is hearing and obeying God’s voice.

a) Obedience positions you for the next level of divine supply

Elijah didn’t argue—he arose and went to Zarephath.

b) Ignoring divine instruction leads to spiritual and physical drought

Delayed obedience prolongs dryness.

c) Divine direction is often connected to someone else's miracle

The widow’s miracle was tied to Elijah’s obedience.

d) Transition requires both discernment and courage

Moving when God speaks protects you from spiritual famine.

Biblical Example: Peter walked on water because he followed Christ’s instruction (Matthew 14:29).

5. GOD USES TRANSITION TO CONNECT YOU TO DESTINY HELPERS

God prepared a widow in Zarephath to sustain Elijah, and in turn, Elijah preserved her household.

a) God moves people and resources in response to your next assignment

Your next location is where your destiny connection lies.

b) The widow’s obedience also unlocked her survival

Both Elijah and the widow were sustained through mutual obedience.

c) Sometimes your next level is locked in the faith of someone else

Elijah activated the widow’s miracle by showing up in her season of lack.

d) God aligns people at the right time to carry out His purpose

Dry brooks reposition us for divine collaboration.

Biblical Example: Ruth’s relocation led to Boaz—her destiny helper (Ruth 2:3).

CONCLUSION:

When your brook dries up, it doesn’t mean that God has failed—it means your season is changing. The same God who sent the ravens and watered the brook is the One who prepares the widow at Zarephath. Do not mourn a drying brook; instead, seek the next divine instruction. God is always ahead of your needs and leading you from provision to provision, and from glory to glory.