With holy indignation burning in his heart, the prophet Elijah boldly marched into the palace of King Ahab. He delivered a stinging word of judgment from the Lord: “There shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word” (1 Kings 17:1). After delivering this fearless message, Elijah received an immediate command from God to hide in the eastern wilderness by the brook Cherith.
In that isolated canyon, God orchestrated a supernatural survival plan. While the surrounding land baked, cracked, and withered under a merciless sun, Elijah wanted for nothing. Every morning and every evening, ravens flew in to deliver bread and meat. Below him, the splashing waters of the brook yielded a constant, life-giving supply of refreshing water. Divine blessings surrounded Elijah, and fresh commitments of praise filled his lips.
Then, the unthinkable happened. Scripture records a stark shift: “And it came to pass after a while, that THE BROOK DRIED UP” (1 Kings 17:7). Imagine the shock and confusion that must have gripped the prophet as he walked down to the creek bed, only to find dry, brown stones. Suddenly, it seemed that God's promises were failing, or that the Almighty had abandoned him entirely.
This same pattern plays out in our spiritual lives today. We experience seasons of revival, abundant blessings, and deep personal commitments to God. Then, without warning, the brook dries up. It is not that God has stopped moving, but rather that something that was going perfectly right suddenly goes completely wrong.
What Elijah could not see while staring at that dry creek bed was that God was intentionally building his faith, preparing him for what was next. As Elijah listened in the silence of the wilderness, God spoke a new direction: “Arise, get thee to Zarephath… behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee” (1 Kings 17:9). God closed one door specifically to open another.
Our God is a God of progress; nothing He does moves in reverse. He uses what we perceive as obstacles and hindrances as the very bridges and highways to transport us to our next level of call and purpose. Had the brook Cherith never dried up, Elijah would have comfortably lingered there forever, content with peaceful plenty. But in doing so, he would have missed the subsequent miracles God had scheduled for him. He would have missed the widow's inexhaustible jar of oil and flour. He would have missed the fire falling on Mount Carmel, the downpour that ended the drought, and the calling of Elisha to carry the mantle for the next generation.
God's brooks always dry up eventually because He refuses to let us stay stagnant. Unfortunately, our human nature craves comfort, and when our resources diminish, we often weep and assume God is punishing us. The enemy eagerly steps into those moments of vulnerability, whispering lies that we have failed or that God no longer cares. But your current trial may not be the result of doing something wrong. It may be happening because you are doing something right, and God is ready to advance you forward. Elijah was not backsliding when the water stopped flowing; he was growing. God routinely moves His people from faith to faith and victory to victory by way of trouble.
When you find yourself standing beside a dried-up brook, you must maintain the faith to declare that "all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). Scripture constantly reminds us of the mysterious blessings hidden within trials. Simon Peter warned believers to "think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you" (1 Peter 4:12), while James made the radical statement to "count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience" (James 1:2-3). Even King David, reflecting on his own intense seasons of suffering, penned these profound words: “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes” (Psalm 119:71).
When your human faculties rebel against your painful circumstances, and you cannot fathom how any good could come from your loss, that is the exact moment you must cling tightly to the Word of God. Trust the divine process. The drying of your current brook is not the end of your story; it is simply God’s appointment pushing you toward your next miracle.
Mission Louisiana
A huge thank you to everyone who made our three-year capital stewardship campaign such a wonderful success! While the formal campaign has wrapped up, we are still joyfully receiving gifts, offerings, and outstanding pledges specifically for the New Boys’ Dorm. Your continued generosity is bringing this project to the finish line, and we are incredibly grateful for your ongoing support.
Mission Louisiana Offering Total - $2,459,369.48!
New Boys' Dorm
We are making wonderful progress on our building journey! We are actively receiving estimates from builders, bringing us one step closer to bringing our vision to life. Even better, we have discovered new ways to optimize our logistics, unlocking substantial savings that will maximize the impact of every dollar. We are deeply committed to being exceptional stewards of this project, ensuring every detail is handled with the utmost diligence and care for our shared future. Our New Boys’ Dorm is going to be a tremendous blessing to the Louisiana District!
Increase Growth Conference – September 17-19, 2026
Equip your leadership team for a new season of impact at the upcoming INCREASE Growth Conference, coming to the Tioga campgrounds this September 17–19, 2026. This three-day experience focuses on practical strategies to deepen your community footprint and revitalize your local ministry.
Attendees will gain fresh insights from an exceptional speaking lineup featuring David Bernard, Kenneth Stewart, Mark Condon, and Jimmy Toney, along with specialized breakouts led by dynamic local leaders. It is an ideal space to network, swap ideas, and recharge with ministry peers.
Registration is mandatory for everyone so our team can adequately prepare resources and catering. Head to ladistupc.com to lock in your spots today.
Pastors: Please remember to send in your PLEDGES for the Thursday PM World Missions Offering & Friday PM Mission LA Offering. Thank you for your support.
Happy September!
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Superintendent’s Itinerary
SEPTEMBER
9-11 Out of the Office
17-19 Tioga, LA – Increase Growth Conf.
25-27 Salem, IL – Pastor Calvin Jean
Sept 28 – Oct 3 Salt Lake, UT – Board Mtgs/General Conf.