In chapter 18 of 1 Kings we saw a brave prophet named Elijah who faced down 450 prophets of Baal. He first challenged them with a battle of sacrifices to their “gods” and his to Jehovah. Baal did not respond, but Jehovah worked a miracle in response to Elijah’s faith-filled prayer.
Ahab, the king of Israel, had faced Elijah before and was powerless before him. Ahab was a weak man, a weak king, but his wife, Jezebel was a strong woman. When Ahab reported to his wife all Elijah had done after Baal failed to respond to his prophets, including the slaughter of those false prophets, Jezebel threatened to take Elijah’s life. Elijah’s response to Jezebel’s threat was very surprising.
In 19:3–5 we read “Elijah was afraid and ran for his life.” He overcame 450 prophets but was afraid of a woman! He went a days’ journey into the desert, sat down under a tree and prayed to die! The faith of this strong man faltered. What happened?
- He was exhausted following the battle with the prophets of Baal and his trek into the desert.
- He thought that he was in the battle alone. 19:10 “I am the only prophet left.”
- He was hungry — so God sent birds to feed him and had him rest in a cave.
Later God told Elijah to go out of the cave where he rested and stand on the mountain. Then came a powerful wind, followed by an earthquake, then a fire. But God was not in them. Finally, a “gentle whisper” came and God spoke to Elijah in that whisper. He revealed to Elijah that he still had 7,000 in Israel who have not bowed down to Baal.
We all have those moments when our faith falters in the light of overwhelming circumstances. Life’s challenges wear us out. We feel totally alone and exhausted. We need to stop focusing on the storms and take time to listen to the “gentle whisper” of our Father.
Marcy Alves
Extended Scripture: 1 Kings 18–20 (NIV)
