Day 18 - Shut it Down... Shut it Down, Now!

And it came to pass after a while, that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land. 1 Kings 17:7


For those who have served in the military, Boot Camp is a place they well remember.  For many, it was their first time away from home. It was a time of brutal discipline, unending work, regimented training, cold fear and acute loneliness. Of course, there is a positive side to all the training, discipline and pressure.  A soldier is born.  One grows to be stronger, more disciplined and mature. He is transformed from a common man into a battle ready soldier.

Yes, a soldier will never be able to serve on the battlefield unless he has first been through the training of boot camp. In boot camp, soldiers have their self-will stripped away. They lose any rebellion that may be in their heart. They learn to follow every order from a superior without question. They learn to follow their leader, even to death, if necessary.

God has a place that each of His children must pass through. He has a boot camp training experience, for each of those He intends to use.  He must correct you in order to perfect you.  He must break you in order to make you.  The only thing that can avenge disobedience is obedience.  He who conquers his own soul is greater than he who takes a city.  So we must enroll in God's Boot Camp to receive training for reigning.

God sent Elijah to the brook Cherith where ravens provided "room service".  Anything he had need of was provided for him. So you could imagine how discomforting and discouraging it must have been for him to wake up one morning and  realize the brook dried up. When this life giving stream dried up for Elijah, he was completely unaware of God' s plan to bless him through another channel.

In God's Boot Camp there are three reasons why He will dry up your brook. First, to get your attention.  Once He shuts down the gravy train, when you come  crying, asking why, He'll have your undivided attention.  Secondly, to determine your desperation.  Does "it" even really matter to you? Are you willing to even look for more provision? Or will you say, "Oh well, I guess this is the end." Finally, to prepare you for the next dimension of His abundance.  God wants you out of your "comfort zone" in order to prepare you for a new anointing and a fresh experience in His glory.

Are you trusting in the gifts or the gift giver? If the gifts mean more to you, I can guarantee you, your commanding officer will very soon give the order to - Shut it Down... Shut it Down, Now!  (to be continued)


Prayer:
Father, I believe everything that happens in my life is for a reason and I know you have a plan for me and that nothing can happen in me or to me that You do not allow. Dried brooks are now easier to deal with. Lead me to the next place of provision, In Jesus Name, Amen.

Go Deeper:
Isaiah 54:1-8;Ezekiel 22:20-22; Proverbs 16:32; Romans 8:28; Phil. 4:11-13; 2 Timothy 2:3-5; James 5:17-18