How does Elijah's prayer in 1 Kings 17:20 demonstrate faith in God's power? The Setting: A Grieving Widow and a Faithful Prophet • Elijah has trusted God for daily bread in Zarephath (1 Kings 17:14-16). • Suddenly the widow’s son dies, threatening the woman’s hope and God’s reputation. • Elijah carries the lifeless boy to the upper room, laying him on his own bed—an act that says, “This need is now mine.” Elijah’s Prayer (1 Kings 17:20) “Then he cried out to the LORD, ‘O LORD my God, have You also brought tragedy on this widow with whom I am staying, by causing her son to die?’” Faith Recognizes God’s Sovereignty Over Life and Death • “O LORD” (YHWH) appeals to the covenant-keeping Name; Elijah speaks to the One who rules all. • He assumes God’s hand even in the boy’s death: “have You…by causing her son to die?” • Scripture agrees that life and death rest with God (Deuteronomy 32:39; 1 Samuel 2:6; Job 1:21). • True faith does not shrink from acknowledging that God is in absolute control. Faith Speaks Personally and Confidently • “my God” reveals an intimate, personal trust (cf. Psalm 63:1). • Elijah’s relationship allows him to come boldly (Hebrews 4:16) and expectantly. Faith Clings to God’s Compassionate Character • Elijah appeals to the Lord’s kindness toward a vulnerable widow (Exodus 22:22-23; Psalm 68:5). • By highlighting her plight, he banks on God’s revealed heart for the helpless. Faith Wrestles Honestly Without Doubt in God’s Power • The question “Have You also brought tragedy…?” is not unbelief but raw, covenant honesty—like Moses (Exodus 32:11-14) and David (Psalm 13). • Such candor shows he is sure God hears and can act; otherwise complaint would be pointless. Faith Acts on What It Believes • Immediately after v 20, Elijah stretches himself over the child and cries, “O LORD my God, may this boy’s life return to him!” (v 21). • Action follows prayer; faith moves from words to deeds (James 2:17). God Vindicates That Faith • “The LORD heard the voice of Elijah, and the child’s life returned to him, and he lived” (v 22). • The widow testifies, “Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is truth” (v 24). • The miracle confirms both the prophet’s ministry and the reliability of God’s Word. Lessons for Believers Today • Acknowledging God’s sovereignty is the starting point of effective prayer. • Personal relationship (“my God”) fuels bold petitions. • Honest wrestling is compatible with unwavering confidence in God’s power. • Faith steps out, expecting God to answer in ways that glorify His name and affirm His Word. |
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