Why do some go through greater trials than others? As A.W. Tozer once said, "When God wants to use a man greatly, he hurts him deeply." This sentiment rings true in the Life and Times of Elijah, particularly when his source of sustenance, the brook, dried up in 1 Kings 17. Kerith, in Hebrew, signifies "to cut off" or "to cut down." Thus, Elijah was cut off from his source of livelihood, much like many of us may feel at times in our lives.
God's training method for Elijah mirrors the experiences of many believers. As we yield to God's commission, we encounter trials designed to prepare us for greater works, just like Elijah. God uses these trials to dismantle our pride, fears, resentment, and harmful habits, ultimately reforming us into better servants.
The drying up of Elijah's brook, in essence, was a test of faith. The Prophet had to endure the impact of his prophecy, suffering due to the lack of rain he had foretold. But, the lesson goes beyond personal suffering. The drying brook also symbolized the transition from reliance on physical sustenance to a deeper reliance on God.
Saint John of the Cross, a man whose writings have inspired many, said that God perceives our imperfections and prompts us to mature spiritually. He called these periods of spiritual dryness "The Dark Night of the Soul." These are times when God weans us from worldly pleasures, inducing spiritual growth by replacing vices with virtues. Through these "Dark Nights," pride becomes humility, greed becomes simplicity, wrath becomes contentment, and so on.
Experiencing a "Kerith," or a period when the brook dries up, can manifest in various ways in our lives. It may be a time of criticism and accusation, hurtful words from loved ones, perceived failure, or lost dreams. It could also be a period of loneliness and seemingly endless waiting.
Yet, these moments of obscurity, humble duties, and uncelebrated work shape us. Kerith is also a time of temptation, disappointment, and debilitating discouragement. It is a humbling experience when we realize our limitations and understand that we are not in control of everything. It can be a struggle, a time of failure and humiliation, which helps God to deal with our presumption and pride.
Kerith may also teach us how to do without certain aspects of life—love, beauty, money, marriage, health, or reputation. Stripped of these worldly desires, we learn to be content with what God gives us. We learn that sometimes, God Himself is the only answer, a lesson that Elijah had to learn when his brook dried up.
Despite the struggle, Kerith is an indispensable part of spiritual growth. As the Psalmist states in Psalm 73, "Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you." The drying of our brook may lead us to a place of profound spiritual thirst for God. When we go through our own Kerith, our longings are stripped away, leaving us with nothing but a desire for God alone.
Reflection
Read 1 Kings 17. This passage offers a depth of insights about life's trials and our spiritual journey. Here are three key points to reflect upon, along with some questions to foster further introspection:
Trials as Preparation: As depicted in the life of Elijah, trials often serve as God's method of preparing us for greater works. They allow us to dismantle detrimental traits like pride, fear, and resentment, and pave the way for personal transformation and spiritual growth. Reflect on your past trials. How have they prepared you for what you are doing now or what you may be called to do in the future? Can you identify a time in your life when you've experienced a "Kerith," a time when your brook dried up? How did that period of difficulty shape your faith and personal growth?
The Dark Night of the Soul: Saint John of the Cross talks about periods of spiritual dryness, referring to them as "The Dark Night of the Soul." These are times when God weans us from worldly pleasures, replacing vices with virtues. This concept suggests that spiritual growth often comes from periods of struggle and difficulty. Consider times when you've experienced spiritual dryness. How have these periods shaped your character and faith? As you reflect on these experiences, what vices might need to be replaced with virtues?
Desire for God Alone: The drying of our brook, or our Kerith, may lead us to a place of profound spiritual thirst for God. Stripped of worldly longings, we may find that our ultimate desire becomes God alone. Reflect on your desires. What longings need to be stripped away for you to seek God more earnestly? As you consider your spiritual journey, how can you actively engage in this transformation process to deepen your relationship with God?
(Content based on The Spirit and Power of Elijah Study by Albert Lemmons)