Mighty God

Elijah said to Ahab, "go up, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a rainstorm." So Ahab went to eat and drink, but Elijah went up to the summit of Carmel. He bowed down on the ground and put his face between his knees. Then he said to his servant, "go up and look toward the sea." So he went up and looked, and said, "there's nothing."

Seven times Elijah said, "Go back."

On the seventh time, he reported, "there's a cloud as small as a man's hand coming from the sea."

The Elijah said, "Go and tell Ahab, "Get your chariot ready and go down so the rain doesn't stop you."

In a little while the sky grew dark with clouds and wind, and there was a downpour. So Ahab got in his chariot and went to Jezreel. The power of The Lord was on Elijah, and he tucked his mantle under his belt and ran ahead of Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel. 1 Kings 18:  41-46

A few things I find interesting about this story. In the previous verses Elijah had just ordered the slaughter of 450 prophets of Baal. Ahab was there and did not intervene. He said nothing. Now Elijah, whom Ahab hated and tried to kill is giving orders. What does this say about Ahab's character? Not a strong character and more likely his wife's puppet.

Elijah sent Ahab to eat, he ate nothing and went up the mountain to pray. This man had lived on bread and water, hidden from Ahab, just had one of the most momentous days of his life by facing off the prophets of Baal and when the rain comes runs ahead of Ahab's chariot. Where did his strength come from? Definitely not easy living, his strength came from The Lord.

Elijah had to send his servant up to the summit of the mountain seven times before anything happened. A great man of God had to prevail in prayer and was not threatened by this fact, perhaps he had experience! We know he did when he had to prevail in prayer for the widow's son who died in 1Kings 17:30.

For me Elijah represents a part of God's character and as such I love it! Our God is not intimidated by failure, circumstance, the roar of the enemy. Our God has a plan and is patiently unfolding that plan. Amen!

I can rejoice to know He is mighty to save and all things are in the palm of His hand. Amen!