Enduring FaithSample

Elijah

During a time of severe drought in the land of Israel, the prophet Elijah confronts King Ahab, who had led the people into worshiping the false god Baal. Elijah challenges Ahab to gather all the prophets of Baal and Asherah, along with the people of Israel, at Mount Carmel. There, Elijah proposes a test to determine the true God. Then Elijah builds his altar, places a sacrifice upon it, and calls upon the God of Israel. God sends fire from heaven, consuming the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and even the water in the trench around the altar. This miraculous display of divine power leads the people of Israel to recognize the supremacy of the one true God.
Finally, Elijah prays for rain, and a heavy rainstorm ends the drought. The story on Mount Carmel demonstrates Elijah's enduring faith in God, his boldness in confronting idolatry, and God's power displayed through miracles.

Elijah relied on God's power throughout his ministry. During the showdown on Mount Carmel Elijah demonstrated his enduring faith and complete trust in God's power. Elijah remained steadfast in his faith in God's ability to answer his prayer. Elijah's prayer before the assembled people demonstrated his obedience and displayed God's glory and the led many hearts back to true worship. Unfortunately, after the event, Jezebel, King Ahaz’s evil wife, was vindictive and threatened to kill Elijah. Elijah fled in fear. Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died 1 Kings 19:4. Only a day after his victory and spiritual high, Elijah ran away afraid for his life, hungry, exhausted, and feeling isolated.

But God … made sure Elijah’s basic needs were met. He provided food, water, and proper rest. Then He asked Elijah a key question. He asked, What are you doing here, Elijah? (1 Kings 19:9). Elijah didn’t lose faith in God but relied on God’s power. God sent a windstorm, an earthquake, and fire to Elijah and revealed His glory. God showed up and but not as Elijah expected. God revealed Himself in a still, small voice. Elijah’s enduring faith kept him seeking God even when he felt alone, exhausted, and isolated.