What steps can we take to strengthen our faith like Elijah's in 1 Kings 18? See the Situation Clearly “ ‘And the water ran around the altar and even filled the trench.’ ” (1 Kings 18:35) Elijah deliberately made the sacrifice humanly impossible to ignite, forcing all eyes onto God’s power. Strengthening faith begins with recognizing where only God can do what we cannot. Ground Yourself in God’s Word • Faith is sparked and fed by Scripture: “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17) • Read daily; linger over passages that reveal God’s character. • Memorize promises so, like Elijah, you can pray them back to God (1 Kings 18:36). Eliminate Human Backup Plans • Elijah drenched the altar—no hidden matches, no plan B. • Identify areas where you still rely on your own resources. • Consciously remove crutches that keep you from full dependence on the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6). Persist in Prayer • James 5:17-18 reminds us Elijah “prayed earnestly.” • Schedule unhurried, private prayer; then keep talking with God throughout the day. • Pray specifically, expecting God to act in line with His will (1 John 5:14-15). Walk in Immediate Obedience • Elijah obeyed every detail God gave—building the altar, arranging the wood, calling for the water. • Prompt obedience, even in small commands, trains the heart for bigger steps of faith (Luke 16:10). Elevate God’s Glory Above Your Reputation • Elijah’s prayer climaxed: “so that this people will know that You, O LORD, are God.” (1 Kings 18:37) • Check motives: seek God’s fame, not personal validation (1 Corinthians 10:31). Stand Firm When You’re Outnumbered • Elijah faced hundreds of prophets of Baal alone (1 Kings 18:22). • Remember Hebrews 13:6: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.” • Fellowship with believers, but don’t wait for consensus to obey God. Expect God to Answer Powerfully • Elijah anticipated fire because God had promised to reveal Himself (1 Kings 18:1). • Guard against low expectations; God “is able to do immeasurably more” (Ephesians 3:20). Recall and Retell God’s Past Faithfulness • After the fire fell, the people shouted, “The LORD, He is God!” (1 Kings 18:39). • Keep a record of answered prayers; share testimonies to reinforce faith (Psalm 78:4). Nurture Ongoing Dependence • The victory on Carmel was followed by persistent prayer for rain (1 Kings 18:42-45). • Great faith today doesn’t remove tomorrow’s need to seek God again. Take these steps, and like Elijah you’ll find faith strengthened—not by inner resolve, but by anchoring every part of life to the trustworthy, living God who still answers by fire. |
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