"Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people said nothing."--I Kings 18:21(NIV)
One of my favorite stories in the Bible is the "showdown" between Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. It is full of all the elements that make for good story--intense conflict, nail-biting intrigue, humor (hints of sarcasm), suspense, and a dramatic resolution.
I Kings 18 in a nutshell, is an account of a famine in Samaria, Jezebel murdering the prophets of God, Obadiah hiding 100 prophets in two caves, and Elijah coming to town with a word from God, and a miracle of fire and rain. See...told you it's a good story! Read it when you can.
Particularly intriguing is Elijah's pointed question to the Israelites in verse 21--how long are you going to vacillate and be wishy-washy? (Emphasis mine). Yet, perhaps more intriguing is the silence of the people. No one answered! Is this true of us today? When it is time to make a decision to go with God, to align ourselves with his word, his truths, his promises--why is there ambivalence and confusion? Why the silence? Is it the result of fear? Uncertainty? Why is it difficult to choose? In the case of Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, God answered the prayer of Elijah with such fire from heaven that it consumed everything--even the stones and dirt that made up the altar! Elijah slaughtered the prophets of Baal in the Kishon Valley. And if all that was not enough, God sent rain to end the famine and empowered Elijah to run faster than Ahab's horse in order to beat the approaching storm! Wow!
This biblical account is a reminder of the power of God. His power is available to each of us. His power enables us to overcome adversity, triumph over tragedy, and experience wellness in our souls. And, it all begins with a decision.
If this speaks to your heart, may I encourage you to explore what is causing you to vacillate? What is bringing confusion or uncertainty to your soul? Have you lost your voice? Are you awaiting permission to make a decision to bring wellness and health to your soul? Are you thinking quietly in your heart, "What if it doesn't work? What if God will not hear me?" If you are internally nodding to these questions--take them to God. You can be honest and forthright with him. He is a loving Father who desires relationship with you.
Prayer
Father, in Jesus' name, I confess that I feel ambivalent and uncertain concerning my walk with you. I have lost my voice along the way, but today I purpose in my heart to chose to follow you. Thank you for giving me the grace, strength, and courage to walk in faith and follow you whole heartedly. Thank you for your power at work in my life that gives me the victory over doubt, negativity, uncertainty, pessimism, and stagnation. I receive it now. Amen and so be it according to your word.
I Kings 18 in a nutshell, is an account of a famine in Samaria, Jezebel murdering the prophets of God, Obadiah hiding 100 prophets in two caves, and Elijah coming to town with a word from God, and a miracle of fire and rain. See...told you it's a good story! Read it when you can.
Particularly intriguing is Elijah's pointed question to the Israelites in verse 21--how long are you going to vacillate and be wishy-washy? (Emphasis mine). Yet, perhaps more intriguing is the silence of the people. No one answered! Is this true of us today? When it is time to make a decision to go with God, to align ourselves with his word, his truths, his promises--why is there ambivalence and confusion? Why the silence? Is it the result of fear? Uncertainty? Why is it difficult to choose? In the case of Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, God answered the prayer of Elijah with such fire from heaven that it consumed everything--even the stones and dirt that made up the altar! Elijah slaughtered the prophets of Baal in the Kishon Valley. And if all that was not enough, God sent rain to end the famine and empowered Elijah to run faster than Ahab's horse in order to beat the approaching storm! Wow!
This biblical account is a reminder of the power of God. His power is available to each of us. His power enables us to overcome adversity, triumph over tragedy, and experience wellness in our souls. And, it all begins with a decision.
If this speaks to your heart, may I encourage you to explore what is causing you to vacillate? What is bringing confusion or uncertainty to your soul? Have you lost your voice? Are you awaiting permission to make a decision to bring wellness and health to your soul? Are you thinking quietly in your heart, "What if it doesn't work? What if God will not hear me?" If you are internally nodding to these questions--take them to God. You can be honest and forthright with him. He is a loving Father who desires relationship with you.
Prayer
Father, in Jesus' name, I confess that I feel ambivalent and uncertain concerning my walk with you. I have lost my voice along the way, but today I purpose in my heart to chose to follow you. Thank you for giving me the grace, strength, and courage to walk in faith and follow you whole heartedly. Thank you for your power at work in my life that gives me the victory over doubt, negativity, uncertainty, pessimism, and stagnation. I receive it now. Amen and so be it according to your word.
