Hardships are inevitable in every person’s life. Some people draw closer to God during these times, but many turn away. In 1 Kings 17:1-2, we meet Elijah, a great prophet of God. At this moment in history, God is about to bring judgment upon the ungodly leaders of the land. This judgment will not only impact them but will also bring hardship upon the entire nation.When reading a story like this, it helps to imagine it happening in our world today. No one at that time, aside from Elijah, knew what God was about to do. Even Elijah himself may have only understood part of God’s greater plan. Yet, as a faithful messenger, he was entrusted with a powerful declaration that would set events into motion.“Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, ‘As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.’” (1 Kings 17:1, NIV)
Now, put yourself in the shoes of someone living in that day—perhaps a farmer or a herdsman. Suddenly, a severe drought begins, lasting for three years. Everything is affected. Crops fail. Livestock suffers. The land dries up. It is a divine judgment, and there is no escaping it. You might take what's happening personally and ask, What did I do to deserve this? Maybe you love God and have been faithful to Him, just as Elijah was. Yet, you still feel the impact of the hardship.
The truth is, when judgment comes upon a land, even the righteous can feel its effects. However, those who trust in the Lord must hold fast to their faith, knowing that God provides for His people even in the most difficult times. Just as He led the Israelites through the wilderness with supernatural provision, He will guide and sustain those who put their trust in Him.Can you imagine God commanding a blessing to sustain you in such a time? Elijah was not exempt from the drought. On top of that, he knew he would face persecution for delivering God’s message to King Ahab. But here’s the key: God always makes a way for His people.
After Elijah delivered the prophecy, the Lord immediately gave him instructions:
“Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah: ‘Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there.’” (1 Kings 17:2-4, NIV)
God commanded ravens to bring Elijah food! This miraculous provision is a reminder that God is faithful to sustain those who follow Him in faith. The question is, are you leaning on Him? Are you trusting Him for your provision in times of difficulty?
Hardships take their toll. At the end of the three-year drought, God told Elijah that 7,000 people in Israel had remained faithful to Him. Out of an entire nation, only a remnant endured in their devotion. The reality is, hardship can cause many to give up on God. But for those who seek Him in faith, He will provide. Even when trials seem overwhelming and losses mount, God is a Redeemer. He restores what was taken.
The enemy will try to convince you otherwise. He will whisper lies in your ear, telling you that God has abandoned you. Job’s wife succumbed to this kind of thinking when she told her suffering husband:
“Are you still trying to maintain your integrity? Curse God and die!” (Job 2:9, NIV)
But Job remained steadfast. And Scripture reminds us:“A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.” (Psalm 34:19, NIV)
Discouragement is one of Satan’s most effective weapons. He has an army of discouraged people who spread hopelessness, making others believe that their hardships mean God has forgotten them. But God’s Word is our anchor. Are you storing His promises in your heart so that you can recall them in times of need?If you are facing a season of difficulty, talk to God. Ask Him to lead you into His supernatural provision and protection. Trust that He will supply what you need today and restore what has been lost over time. Hold on to this promise:
“For the Lord your God is a merciful God; He will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers, which He confirmed to them by oath.” (Deuteronomy 4:31, NIV)
And remember the example of David:
“David was greatly distressed… but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.” (1 Samuel 30:6, KJV)No matter what you face, you are not alone. Lean on God, trust in His promises, and know that He will bring you through.
In His love,
Pastor Tim Burt
