Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us. - Ephesians 3:20
The nation of Israel worshiped idols instead of the ONE true God so there was a drought that led to a famine in the land. Ahab thought Elijah was the troublemaker but Elijah knew the trouble was caused by the worship of idols so a challenge was set up so the people’s hearts could be won over by the ONE true God.
The main take away from “Reach Out and Remove Doubt” is that those working for the Lord have a great advantage with the power that works within to make amazing feats happen. Elijah didn’t hide from those against him. He took risk, overcame obstacles, and let nothing stop him. That’s exactly how you can approach each day as you set out to accomplish great things for the glory of the Lord.
Sometimes we face circumstances that seem impossible. Things can stack up at work, financial challenges are faced, or health issues keep us from being at our best. That’s when we need the boost from the Word of God. All the great miracles we read about let us know that the impossible becomes possible when God is in control. There is no more doubt when we reach out for God’s help.
We have noted before that the worship of idols angered God so a drought was brought on which led to famine. Reading 1 Kings 18 today, the Lord told Elijah to present himself to Ahab and He would send rain to the land (v. 1).
Elijah was a prophet of Israel and Ahab was king of the northern kingdom of Israel who built a temple and altar to Baal. Ahab thought Elijah was the troublemaker, but Elijah knew the trouble was caused by the worship of idols.
Elijah set up a challenge on Mount Carmel (v. 20). Ahab’s people would call on the name of their idol Baal and Elijah would call on the name of the Lord. The one who answered by fire would win the hearts of the people and be accepted as the ONE true God (v. 24).
Ahab’s people called on their idol Baal but there was no answer to their commands. On the other hand, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel responded to the command of Elijah. He amazed the people by producing a fire that burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench (v. 38).
Think of current times. What recent experience in your life has caused you to say, “The Lord, He is God”?
Think of the amazing feats accomplished through God’s people and recorded in His Word. In current times, we witness amazing accomplishments through His people. From breaking world records in sports to new discoveries in technology and science.
The main take away for me today is that those working for the Lord have greater power to make amazing feats happen. Elijah didn’t hide from those against him. He took risk, overcame obstacles, and let nothing stop him. That’s exactly how we should approach each day as we reach out and remove doubt about the power of God by accomplishing amazing feats for the glory of the Lord.
This day with You Lord, we can read about the amazing that you do. Each day can be a challenge but when we reach out to You, there is no more doubt. We can be confident because You are with us and Your unlimited power will meet our deepest need. Be it a need for peace, for hope, or for healing. For revival, salvation, and victory because You are with us to guide and provide. Amen.
From Psalm 70, David’s appeal to God was made because he was in a difficult time as his enemies had him where they wanted him.
We may not have enemies coming after us but there are pressing challenges to take on in life as work piles up and tough issues have to be faced. If we daily prepare by reading God’s Word, reflection, and prayer, we can be confident because prayer and listening to God through His Word prepares us to make accurate decisions with quick action.
A poem posted at my other blog Step Ahead is inspired by “Strength in You” pointing out that you have certain strengths or gifts God has given. Through the Spirit, discover your gifts for the express purpose of kingdom building. God thinks you are AWESOME! Focus on what you can do and not on what you wish you could do. Then what seemed to be impossible will become possible.
As pointed out in the song You Say by Lauren Daigle, the world wants to tell you that you will never measure up but God tells you to never give up. Believe in what God thinks of you. Find your worth, identify as His child, and renew your strength day by day.
The testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. - James 1:3-4
From the study “He Guides and Provides”, Elijah took steps right where he was to listen to God; to start spreading faith so that one day a healing rain would come to the area and the crops would grow to produce a harvest so the people would be lacking nothing.
Listen to the song Healing Rain by Michael W. Smith. The world can be a brutal place with alcohol, drug abuse, financial crises, etc. but be patient. Even though your faith is being tested, don’t be afraid as the song says. Be washed in heaven’s healing rain by the great I Am and lack nothing.
This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 