Text:1 Kings 17:1-7
Memory Verse: “And it happened after a while that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land” (1 Kings 17:7).
Learning the theory about anything can be done in a school, but the practical application and knowledge comes from practice. Serving God is a marathon that will require a lot of practical learning and sacrifice from you sometimes in the “school of hard knocks”. Elijah uttered God’s word with audacity, declaring that there would be no dew or rain save at his word, but the punishment, eventually, affected him too. He probably did not understand all the implications. Practically, there would have been a need for a change in temperature, and the lack of dew and water would, eventually, cause everything to dry up. He was taken through the practical university of dry brooks and leaning on God’s providence for his livelihood.
Spiritual power is very important and freely given, but can only be obtained by those who desire it (Matthew 5:6). God does not give His power to people who do not want it but to those who thirst for it and are willing to pay the price for it. They must be ready to go through the “school of hard knocks” for training. God has, over the years, used the most unlikely people: Moses the murderer,
David the adulterer and murderer, Paul the traditionalist. Each of them was trained in the “school of hard knocks”. He can use you too on His terms, if you are available and will rely on Him for strength to prevail. God has a plan for you and will stand with you, whatever it entails.
Prayer Points:
1. Deliver me from complacency, O Lord.
2. Please help me to find rest in every situation You take me through.