Briar Hook Theology
It happened after a while that the brook dried up, because there was no rain in the land. Then the word of the Lord came to [Elijah] saying, “Arise, go to Zarephath . . . and stay there†(1 Kings 17:7-9).
Have you ever noticed how everything has an ending? Things we deem as being indispensable and invaluable on this earth may not be with us tomorrow. God led Elijah to the brook of Cherith, but He never intended for him to stay there forever. His residence by the cool, flowing waters was for a season. It was simply a stop over point where he could be trained for greater service.
He was fed by ravens and taught the invaluable truth that God always provides for every need we have—perfectly and completely. He learned to trust the Lord’s judgment and wasn’t repulsed by the food delivered to his dinner table by birds of prey. Nor did he mention the dwindling water as it disappeared from the brook. It was as if he knew that at the right moment, God would lead him on to the next place of service. And He did.
It takes discipline to wait and possibly one of the most disciplined men we could mention is Dr. R. A. Forrest. In Achieving The Impossible for God, he talks about the dreams he had for Toccoa Falls but he never mentions digging in and refusing to take the next step. His life was outlined by faith—a step here and a step there—but always at God’s leading. Haddock Inn burned down, but he didn’t quite. He just grabbed a briar hook and went up the hill to a place that became the center of a new campus and cleared out an area large enough for a dining room and a two-story classroom building.
Are you facing what seems to be ending, and you are not sure what you will do next? God knows and He has a plan. Pick up your briar hook, and He will show you what you need to do.
Taken from the online devotional book Grace in The Wilderness © 2009 tfchistory.com.