BOLD FAITH RELIES ON GOD’S POWER (Read 1 Kings 17:1)
Elijah’s name means “The LORD is my God.” He is referred to in Malachi 4:5 and Matthew 11:14. He is seen in the New Testament conversing with Jesus at the transfiguration (Matthew 17:3), yet it all began right here. We have no background, no family history, and no inkling of what he was doing before this day except he was from an unknown place called Tishbe.
God’s power is not reserved for any certain “type” of person. He desires to live through each and every one of us. Elijah said, “Yes.” What about you?
As far as we know, Elijah had no special credentials that would allow him an audience with the king. He simply relied on the power of God’s call on his life. Somewhere, at some point in time, God called Elijah to deliver this message to Ahab. Elijah makes it clear he was serving no other interest but the LORD God of Israel. What about you? Whom do you serve? What power is at work within you?
It is easy to be distracted or influenced by the power of the economy, the power of politics, the power of the press, the power of our peers, or even the power of our own expectations and dreams. But bold faith relies on the power of God’s call. What is God calling you to today?
Elijah also relied on the power of God’s promises. Baal, the god that Ahab and Jezebel worshipped, was known as the god of storms and fertility. Yet, Elijah told Ahab there would be no more rain until the God of Israel said so. There was no accu-weather forecast available or other statistics for Elijah to fall back on. He had God’s Word, God’s promise, and that was enough. Are God’s promises enough for you? What is God saying to you through His Word today? His Word is powerful, and He always keeps His promises. Whose power are you relying on today?
BOLD FAITH RELIES ON GOD’S PROVISION (Read 1 Kings 17:2-16)
Throughout these verses, God gives us a glimpse of two seasons in Elijah’s life. The first season begins after Elijah’s pronouncement to Ahab. God immediately instructs him to, “Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine” (verse 3).
God’s first provision is His Word and the second is His plan. He is a God of direction and guidance if we will simply learn to seek Him and listen. Does it surprise you that God told Elijah to hide? Often God’s plan for us requires this type of solitude and rest from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
God was obviously protecting Elijah from an angry Ahab as well. Sometimes God will remove us from a situation or relationship for a season as a deliberate part of His plan. We may not understand it entirely, but obedience to God will always prove to be the best decision. What is God’s plan for this season of your life?
Elijah’s lifestyle became even more interesting when God informed him “You will drink from the brook, and I have ordered the ravens to feed you there” (verse 4). Now that is unique. No home that we know of (perhaps a tent or a cave?), only a brook to drink from, and dependence upon birds to bring food at God’s bidding. Do not be surprised when God brings unusual circumstances. If anything, It should cause our faith to grow!
But notice the third provision is plentiful – Elijah’s needed nourishment. God will provide the sustenance we require. I find it interesting that God chose to only feed him twice a day. He did the same thing in Exodus 16 with the manna and quail. We are so entrenched in our “3 meals a day” regimen we may think God is negligent. My friend, God is never lacking. He knows what and how much is best. Can you trust Him in that way as well?
Beyond food, which is a valid example for our overindulgent society, I can easily apply this principle to money. So often we scramble and grasp for as much as possible when God alone knows exactly what He wants us to have and what we truly need. What season are you in with the Lord? Is He perhaps changing some habits or routines in your life?
How are you responding to the changes?
I have two sons that play college baseball. I spend many long Saturday and Sunday afternoons in cold weather (presently), outdoors for five or six hours, watching baseball, cheering, and videoing. My feet were so cold after our game this past Sunday that it took quite a while for them to thaw out! But it is God’s call and God’s provision for my life right now. While I prefer sunny days and warmer weather, I am so thankful God allows me time to support my boys, and I know the discomfort will not last forever. We must embrace the season God has chosen for us and rely on His provisions day by day.
Verses 7-16 explain the next season of Elijah’s life and God’s continued provision for him as well as for that of a widow in Sidon.
I wonder what Elijah was thinking as the brook began to dry up day after day. Hopefully he was expecting his next instructions from God, which is exactly what happened. Faithfully, God provided His Word and His plan. “Go at once to Zarephath of Sidon and stay there. I have commanded a widow in that place to supply you with food” (verse 9).
When we sense the end of a season is near, perhaps an imminent job change or a child’s graduation, it is important to anticipate fresh direction from God. This story is not just about Elijah, it is about you. God wants to provide His Word and His plan for your life as well. A word of encouragement: you are in for an adventure!
The irony of God sending Elijah to Jezebel’s hometown is just plain funny. In subsequent chapters we will read how Ahab searched “everywhere” for him, but somehow Ahab’s in-laws were completely unaware of Elijah’s presence. God’s provision once more!
The widow’s experience adds an entirely different dimension. Because she lived in Baal-worshipping Sidon, it is likely she did not know the Lord. Yet it is clear in verse 9 that God spoke to her in preparation for Elijah’s arrival. What a mighty God we serve, who speaks when we are not even listening for Him! We don’t know what her initial response was to “the voice” she obviously heard, but we can see in verses10-16 that once she met Elijah she was willing to take those baby steps of faith.
That is all God asks. Are you willing to take those tiny steps of faith daily? It saved this woman’s life and that of her son. It will change yours as well!
Through Elijah, God taught her to rely on His provision for her most basic needs. Who are you relying on? Who is your provider?
As I examined this season of life for both Elijah and the widow, I saw not only God’s basic provision, but a myriad of opportunities given to them too. They were both given a chance to rest. Widowhood was most demanding, and we know Elijah had great pressure. Their time in Sidon seems to have been filled with quiet, protection, and peace.
They had the privilege of trusting God in a unique way and seeing Him perform the miraculous every day as the oil and flour remained available. They served each other, grew in their faith, and experienced the fulfillment of God’s Word in their lives. What opportunities is God bringing to your life? How are you responding?
BOLD FAITH RELIES ON PRAYER (Read 1 Kings 17:17-23)
These verses provide a powerful example of the importance of prayer in the life of the believer. The widow’s fresh awareness of her sin upon the death of her son could have been the revelation God was waiting for. Until we realize our complete need for God we will never give Him our absolute trust. Until we understand the fullness of His redemption and grace, our faith can never be bold and all-consuming as He desires.
The widow assumes her sin caused the death of her son. While I would never claim all hardships or pain to be the result of sin, I am not afraid to ask! Elijah, in fact, asks a form of the same question in verse 20. We must be willing to understand the root of our pain and suffering and not be afraid of God pointing out sin in the process. However, we must also understand that much pain and suffering has absolutely nothing to do with our sin. How do we know? Rely on prayer! Talk to God! He alone knows!
Elijah’s urgency is palpable in these verses. He has obviously come to care deeply for this family, and his response is that of bold faith – to rely on the only One who can truly make a difference in this situation – the One True God. Who are you relying on?
God stepped in, raised the widow’s son from the dead, and gave Elijah the great privilege of returning the boy to his mom. All because Elijah relied on prayer in his crisis. May I ask you again, who are you relying on?
But the most precious lesson God gave me out of these verses is the limitless coverage of prayer. Elijah was a “national prayer man.” By that I mean he was intimately involved in prayer and intercession for the entire nation of Israel, their kings, their drought, and their poor choices. May we all be faithful to pray for our world, our nations, our states, our governments, and all things of great concern.
The widow knew this aspect of Elijah’s prayer life. But now, she saw the other side. The God of Israel and Elijah were not just concerned with affairs of state and kings and beyond. They cared about her. Personal, individual prayers change the world as much or more than those on a larger scale. Who needs your prayers today?
I love to pray for my country and the world, and I do it often. But Sunday night when the Lord woke me in the middle of the night, it was not to pray for President Bush or the war in Iraq. He had me pray for a dear friend who is going through a very tough time right now. He further encouraged me in these prayers when her best friend called me the next day with specific requests. God cares about her. God cared about the widow. God cares about you! Will you trust Him by relying on Him in prayer?
BOLD FAITH REVEALS GOD’S TRUTH (Read 1 Kings 17:24)
People everywhere are searching for truth. If you know Jesus, you have the truth to give. What is your faith revealing?
Prior to the incident with her son, the widow knew Elijah represented Israel’s God, but she failed to comprehend God’s love for her personally. Elijah’s bold faith helped her understand that important truth. I love her comment that begins “Now I know…” (verse 24). I pray we would all have “Now I know” moments daily! May each day bring more understanding of who God is and who He wants to be in our lives.
In summary, bold faith relies on God’s power, relies on God’s provision, relies on prayer, and reveals God’s truth. What are the results of your faith?