What actions can we take to trust God's power like Elijah did? Focus Verse “Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt offering, the wood, the stones, and the dust, and it licked up the water in the trench.” (1 Kings 18:38) Observe Elijah’s Example • Rebuilt the altar that had been torn down (1 Kings 18:30) • Arranged the sacrifice exactly as God prescribed (18:33) • Drenched everything with water so no one could claim a natural explanation (18:33–35) • Prayed publicly and confidently for God to reveal Himself (18:36–37) • Gave God the glory when fire fell (18:39) Actions to Trust God’s Power Today • Cultivate daily obedience – Rebuild any “altar” of personal devotion that has crumbled (Luke 9:23) – Obedience prepares a platform for God’s power to be displayed • Remove self-reliance – “Drench the sacrifice” by refusing shortcuts or manipulations (Psalm 20:7) – Let circumstances stay impossible so only God can receive credit • Pray boldly and specifically – Elijah asked for visible fire; clear requests invite clear answers (James 5:16-18) – Bold prayer honors a limitless God (Ephesians 3:20) • Stand for truth even when outnumbered – Elijah faced hundreds of prophets alone (1 Kings 18:22) – Trust thrives when we side with God rather than majority opinion (Romans 8:31) • Recall past faithfulness – Elijah remembered God’s earlier provision of bread from ravens and oil for the widow (1 Kings 17) – Keeping a record of answered prayer fuels fresh confidence (Psalm 77:11-12) • Rest in God’s timing – Fire fell only after the sacrifice was prepared; waiting is often part of faith (Psalm 37:7) – “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) • Expect God to reveal His glory – Elijah anticipated a response that would turn hearts back to God (1 Kings 18:37) – Faith looks beyond present obstacles to God’s certain victory (Hebrews 11:1) • Testify to others – When the fire fell, Elijah directed the crowd to acknowledge “The LORD, He is God!” (18:39) – Sharing God’s works strengthens community faith (Psalm 40:9-10) Key Reinforcements from Scripture • Hebrews 11:6: “Without faith it is impossible to please God…” • 2 Chronicles 20:12: “Our eyes are on You.” • Philippians 4:6-7: “In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God…” Living the Lesson Trust like Elijah grows as we obey God’s Word, strip away props of self-confidence, pray with expectancy, stand for truth, remember God’s record, wait patiently, and testify boldly when He answers. |
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