Samuel grew up being recognized as God’s prophet (1 Sam. 3:19–21), but Elijah suddenly appeared before Ahab declaring God’s message. The drought, for which he had prayed (James 5:17), was Elijah’s declaration of war against Ahab, Jezebel, and the storm god Baal. If the king and the people had humbled themselves before the Lord, He would have sent rain to the land (Deut. 11:13–17; 2 Chron. 7:12–15), but most of the nation trusted Baal, not Jehovah.
The drought had three more years to go (1 Kings 18:1; Luke 4:25), and God took care of His faithful servant (Ps. 37:3–6). During that time of “retirement,” God led him, fed him, and enabled him to help others, including a gentile widow (Luke 4:25–26). When we walk by faith, God supplies our needs and opens doors of opportunity for us.
Be sure to trust the Provider and not the provision. Brooks dry up, but God never fails.
