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Prophet Loses Faith and Panics
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sphere in God’s service. “Elijah was a man with a nature like ours,
and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on
the land for three years and six months.”
James 5:17
.
Faith such as this is needed today—faith that will lay hold of
the promises of God’s Word, faith that brings strength for coping
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with the powers of darkness. Through faith God’s children have
“conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, ...
won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign
armies to flight.”
Hebrews 11:33, 34
, NRSV.
Faith is an essential element of effective prayer. “He who comes
to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those
who diligently seek Him.”
Hebrews 11:6
. With the persistence of
Elijah, we may present our requests to the Father. He has staked the
honor of His throne on the fulfillment of His word.
Night was approaching on Mount Carmel as Ahab prepared for
the descent. “Now it happened in the meantime that the sky became
black with clouds and wind, and there was a heavy rain. So Ahab
rode away and went to Jezreel.” As he traveled toward the royal city
through the darkness and blinding rain, he was unable to see in front
of him. That day Elijah had humiliated him before his subjects and
killed his idolatrous priests, but the prophet still acknowledged Ahab
as Israel’s king. Now, as an act of homage, Elijah ran before the
royal chariot, guiding the king to the city.
There is a lesson in this gracious act shown to a wicked king
for all who claim to be servants of God. Some people hesitate to
perform humble duties, fearing that they will be doing the work of a
servant. Elijah had been dramatically honored by God as fire had
flashed from heaven and consumed the sacrifice; his prayer for rain
had been granted. And yet, after God had been pleased to honor his
public ministry, he was willing to perform the service of a footman.
Jezebel Threatens Elijah’s Life
At the gate of Jezreel, Elijah and Ahab separated. The prophet,
choosing to remain outside the walls, wrapped himself in his cloak
and lay down on the bare earth to sleep. The king soon reached the
shelter of his palace and reported to his wife the events of the day.
As Ahab told about how the idolatrous prophets had been killed,