Wednesday, May 8
Read 1 Kings 18
Think About It:
- In verse 21, Elijah questions the people: “How long will you waver between two opinions?” Just as important today, Christians must take a stand, which separates us from the unbelieving world around us. It often feels like we are alone, like Elijah, against 850 unbelievers! But when we are obedient to God, even though we feel alone in our decision, God will make us victorious over the majority standing against us. Our single-minded commitment to maintaining our relationship with God will lead to miraculous victory and testimonies to encourage others. But when we waver between biblical standards and popular opinion, we worship a false god – just as Baal and Asherah were in Israel – except the false god many serve today is “self”.
- After the pagan prophets were unsuccessful in proving their gods were real, Elijah confidently prayed to the LORD, and God answered immediately. Once the prophets were removed from the land, the rain came ending the drought. In the same way, when we remove those (false) things from our day-to-day lives that are not in line with what God has spoken in the Bible, He will pour His plans into our lives and answer our prayers to accomplish His purposes. We need to wait and pray, as Elijah did (seven times he sent his servant to look for clouds). As we continue to trust God while we wait and pray, our faith grows. Faith and patience inherit His promises! Make a list of things you are waiting and praying for and then talk to God about those things.
Family Time:
- What would be the sign of the one true God? (verse 24)
- How much water did Elijah pour on his sacrifice and wood? (verses 33-35)
- Why did Elijah want God to answer his prayer? (verses 36-37)
