WHEN THE BROOK DRIES UP
Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday evening, Nov. 28, 1999, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia:
WHEN THE BROOK DRIES UP
By Michael D. O’Neal Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church Albany, Georgia
Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 17:1-9
Text: 1 Kings 17:7
Introduction: The Y2K Computer bug could indeed cause an economic disaster in the nation and in the world? Do I think it will do so? No. However, it COULD. America is not invulnerable to financial disaster.
Not only can the U.S. brook dry up, but a church brook can dry up.
A family brook can dry up.
A personal brook can dry up.
What should be our attitude when we go through lean times? How should we react when we start earning less money? When we have to live in inferior housing?
I. WHEN THE BROOK DRIES UP, GOD CAN STILL PROVIDE
1 Kings 17:7-9 And it came to pass after a while, that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land. 8 And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, 9 Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee.
A. He can provide grace in times of weakness
B. He can provide goods in times of poverty
C. He can provide glory in times of opposition
II. WHEN THE BROOK DRIES UP, GODLINESS IS STILL PRIMARY
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
A. We still need faith in lean times
B. We still need faithfulness in lean times
C. We still need fruitfulness in lean times
III. WHEN THE BROOK DRIES UP, OUR GOAL IS STILL TO PROGRESS
Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
A. We can still grow in our communion with God
B. We can still grow in our consecration
C. We can still grow in our compassion for others
IV. WHEN THE BROOK DRIES UP, GRATITUDE IS STILL PROPER
1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
EVEN IN LEAN TIMES,
A. We should thank God for past blessings
B. We should thank God for present benefits
C. We should thank God for promises beyond
WHEN THE BROOK DRIED
God knew when the widow’s cruse was low
And the meal was almost gone,
And he dried the brook where Elijah drank,
And He sent His servant on,
That the handful of meal should not be spent,
Or the little oil grow less,
And that, when the widow’s son lay dead
The prophet’s prayer should bless.
Hath He dried the brook where thou long hast dwelt?
Canst thou find no solace there?
Zarephath is ready if Cherith fail,
With oil and meal to share.
Oh, tarry not, should He bid thee go,
His messenger thou shalt be;
Thou shalt carry a blessing to those who wait,
And a blessing waiteth thee.
(Annie Johnson Flint)