Don’t you hate it when the meteorologist predicts bad weather? More snow, more unseasonably hot or wet or dry conditions.

The prophet Elijah had just delivered bad news to a bad king. No rain for the next few years! Trouble was sure to come looking for him, so God instructed Elijah where to hide and promised to provide him food and water.

Eventually, the brook that Elijah drank from dried up. But God gave directions to the home of a widow who would supply his food.

When the son of the widow died, do you think Elijah knew who to turn to? Absolutely! Elijah “cried to the LORD, ‘O LORD my God, let this boy’s life return to him!’ The LORD heard Elijah’s cry, and the boy’s life returned to him, and he lived” (1 Kings 17:21b-22).

When we read this action-packed chapter, we assume each need was met as soon as it was suggested. But I am sure that much happened, or didn’t happen, in the time and space between sentences.

For example, how long did Elijah fear for his life or wonder where to hide before he heard from God? How did Elijah feel as he watched his brook, his only water source, diminish to a trickle? Did he stress as he searched for a spring before receiving his next assignment? Did he panic before he prayed over the death of the widow’s only son?

Whatever the details and timeline, Elijah learned who he could turn to in time of need. He had experienced God’s faithfulness again and again and so can we.

The Lord is our Problem-Solver, our help in time of trouble. Whatever our need, we can turn to Him.

“Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge” (Psalm 62:8).