“God’s Will · My Thoughts” ~ ✨
Elijah, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, known as the great prophet of the LORD, brought a shocking impact to the decaying northern kingdom of Israel. Used by God amidst a nation in deep crisis, he performed these great miracles, becoming a model for posterity in faith, wisdom, courage, and perseverance. However, his story prompts me to think in four dimensions…
1) The First Question to Ponder:
After more than three years in hiding, living a life of hardship and poverty, and grieving over God’s chosen people living in sin, Elijah found that the victory on Mount Carmel did not lead to repentance from King Ahab or Queen Jezebel of the north. Instead, it brought an immediate death threat upon himself. In this situation, Elijah felt as though God did not quite appreciate the work he had done for Him at the risk of his life. Do I understand Elijah’s state of mind?
2) The Second Question to Ponder:
In 1 Kings 18:21, I see Elijah approaching all the people and saying, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” Yet the people’s response was complete silence. The Bible does not record whether the 100 prophets hidden by Obadiah (1 Kings 18:13) or the 7,000 faithful remnant in Israel (1 Kings 19:18) were present, in whole or in part, at the sacrifice on Mount Carmel…
I wonder: if the prophets and the remnant were not present, was their hiding due to fear of the king more than fear of God? If they were present, why did not a single one stand up to support Elijah? And if the “people” here refer to the common folk, and none answered Elijah’s challenge, did they truly revere the LORD as God in their hearts? If I had been there, how would I have responded to Elijah?
At that time, Elijah believed he was the only prophet of the LORD left to face the enemies on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:22). In the past, when King David fought the giant Goliath alone, the Israelite army was present alongside him. But, Elijah was alone, facing hundreds of foreign enemies (450 prophets of Baal and perhaps 400 prophets of Asherah, too), I can somewhat feel the immense weight of Elijah’s loneliness in that battle! Who does not know that the perilous encounter on Carmel did not bring a complete, final victory? For the enemies remained enemies.
The events on Mount Carmel enraged Queen Jezebel, who issued a death warrant, causing Elijah to be frightened and to immediately flee, hiding in the territory of the southern kingdom of Judah (Judah). His discouragement and depression were understandable, for he too was a man with a nature just like ours (James 5:17). Although understandable, Elijah’s self-pity suppressed his spiritual intelligence, preventing him from receiving strength from above in his weakness.
I see that Elijah did not actively seek God’s help; it was God who personally came to Elijah to bestow grace. God understood Elijah’s sorrow and loved him deeply. God sent an angel to care for him and deliver a message, telling Elijah that He had reserved seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees had not bowed to Baal and whose mouths had not kissed him (1 Kings 19:18). I also see, whose consolation can be more fitting than God’s? And whose comfort can be more heartfelt than God’s own! God sympathized with Elijah’s discouragement, depression, and resentment.
From Elijah’s weakness, I see God’s loving compassion. Encouraged by Hebrews 4:15-16, we know that our high priest, Jesus, is not unable to sympathize with our weaknesses. He has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet He did not sin. Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
3) The Third Question to Ponder:
Elijah is known as a prayer warrior. His previous prayers were for others, and God answered them. Why, in his weakness now, did he not pray for himself, asking God for more strength and help?
My observation is not from reasoning but from personal feeling—when a person thinks he knows everything, in fact he knows nothing; when a person thinks he can achieve everything by himself, in fact he has gained nothing.
Elijah’s actions on Mount Carmel, though God answered them, did not necessarily mean this course of action was God’s first choice. Elijah did not do as King David did, who inquired of God before every campaign whether he should go. When God said yes, then he went to battle. Elijah’s actions on Carmel were close to God’s will, and God answered; however, this may not have been God’s primary choice for that specific time and place. If Elijah had first inquired of God whether he should do this, and acted only after receiving God’s permission, it would have been perfectly aligned with God’s heart. Just as with the Apostle Paul—if he had heeded the Lord Jesus Christ’s voice not to go, or to leave Jerusalem immediately, Paul’s subsequent experiences would have been entirely different. The consideration I draw is that in all I do, I must honour the Lord as supreme and first, not relying solely on my own assessment of strength.
4) The Fourth Question to Ponder: What reminder does Elijah’s “self” bring?
In faith, “going one’s own way” or “being self-righteous” is often the prelude to stumbling or even falling. Human thoughts often desire immediate returns for their efforts, to gain personal glory or praise. On Mount Carmel, Elijah proclaimed “the LORD, He is God of Israel” (1 Kings 18:36). He hoped for the immediate repentance of all the people, but became discouraged when it led to a death threat. Today, some believers share the gospel with someone for less than ten minutes and expect an immediate decision for Christ, becoming disheartened when it does not happen.
God’s thoughts are higher than human thoughts; God’s thoughts are higher than Elijah’s thoughts. Elijah wanted to see immediate results from his work, and when he did not, he became discouraged, lost heart, and vented his frustration before God. God understood him, gave him time and space to vent, sent an angel to minister to him, and continued to use Elijah, affirming that he was still a valuable vessel in God’s hands.
Reading the account of Elijah’s life has greatly benefited me. “Prayer – waiting – prayer – waiting…” is a lesson God’s people must learn—”The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD” (Proverbs 16:33). Today, God’s children must still continually practice this lesson of faith. The Lord Jesus Christ commanded His disciples (Luke 24:49): “I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
God is utterly faithful; His promises are abundant. I quote Isaiah 40:29-31 to encourage the reader—”He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps” (Proverbs 16:9). May we daily practice making “God’s will my thoughts,” waiting in prayer and moving forward in faith.
I conclude with this poem 👇🏻
《Not in Vanity • In Faith》 ✨
Love draws people together
Hatred seeks to tear apart
Love is Christ’s banner
Hatred of love is Satan’s thorn
Wisdom is a lamp to the feet
Guiding one on the path of light
Worldly mansions are but vanity
The Father’s wooden house is eternal
Tonight’s lust leads to tomorrow’s wailing
Tomorrow’s hope is today’s driving force
Forsake folly, embrace wisdom to see truth from falsehood
‘Not in vanity’ is the wise one’s path
Victory is won on the ground of true faith
Redemption in sight brings glory to our God
✨✨💖 ~
en yan hua fang 