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Blessing Is Progressive

“Now summon the people from all over Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel. And bring the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table.” (1 Kings 18:19)

The greatest chapter in the story of Elijah’s life took place on Mount Carmel. That’s when he called down fire from heaven, defeated the prophets of Baal, and turned the hearts of the Israelites back to God. The word Carmel means “fruitful ground.” But before Elijah could get to Mount Carmel, he had to go through two places.

First, God led him to the brook called Cherith. The word Cherith means “to make covenant with.” It was here that Elijah discovered that God is a covenant-making and covenant-keeping God who can sustain you through the hardest of times. It was here during a drought and famine that ravens brought food to him each day, and he drank from the refreshing waters of the brook. But the Bible says, “After a while…the brook dried up” (1 Kings 17:7). Now, when God allows your brook to dry up, it’s to drive you back to your true source, which is Himself, that you may get further instructions.

Second, God led him to a widow in Zarephath. The word Zarephath means “to refine as in a melting pot.” Gold is not pure in its original form. It must be refined, and this is accomplished by heating it to the boiling point. The heat separates the raw substance from its impurities, which surface and are skimmed off. And God will do the same for you by using the heat of trials to separate the gold from the dross in your life. He knows the experiences you need to reach Mount Carmel, the place of fruitfulness, so trust Him. He knows what He is doing.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, take me to the places and people You want to shape me and then to Mount Carmel. Thank You and help me remember You always have a purpose for where You lead me. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

ITTT