The answer is: Causing a drought

1 Ki 17:1

Elijah’s first miracle in 1 Kings 17:1 is a striking moment that sets the tone for his prophetic ministry. By proclaiming a drought, instead of performing a miraculous healing or water transformation, he is really putting God’s will front and center, showing that the very elements of nature are subject to divine authority. This is bold, controversial, and quite startling—for how easy it would be for a prophet to perform “feel-good” miracles!

So, what’s the significance of a drought? In Israel, where rainfall was often scarce, a drought was more than just an inconvenience; it held severe agricultural implications. This was not merely a nuisance; it threatened food security and put immense pressure on the economy and the livelihood of the people. Elijah is not just pointing out people's failures but rather holding a mirror to the nation—the drought is symbolic of Israel's spiritual desolation due to turning away from God.

Interestingly, droughts, and the consequent hardship that follows, recur throughout the Scriptures, making them a common theme of divine judgment. It mirrors God’s use of nature to communicate important lessons about obedience and righteousness.

Many people miss the connection that this moment foreshadows Elijah’s later adventures—including confrontations with kings, minds, and even haunting visions of God through a whisper. Elijah's ministry invites us to see that God's power isn't reserved for the miraculous in a flashy sense but often operates in the mundane—I think you could say that this dried-out land is rich with meaning!