Mother's Day is approaching. My mother very intentionally helped to write His Word in our hearts, but more importantly, she lived it out in her daily conversations and actions toward those around her. Her life was her testimony. It reminds me of this verse:
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. " -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Today's sermon was from 1 Kings 18 where Elijah is called to trust God in some pretty big ways. In 1 Kings 17, we learn how God provided for Elijah's needs through a widow woman. The widow and her son were about to eat their last meal before the flour and oil ran out. Elijah asked her to share what she had with him, and promised her flour and oil would not run out. That is exactly what happened. Elijah, the widow and her son all literally tasted God's provision.
Elijah had called for the drought that was nearly three years old and things were getting pretty tough for the nation of Israel. Still, they did not look to God. He had too many rules and expectations that offended them. They wanted to live the way they wanted to live. So, they did.
King Ahab, was defiant to God, raising up the prophets of Baal and living in disobedience to God's Word and His ways. Queen Jezebel was even worse. Ahab was arrogant and disobedient. Jezebel was... in my opinion... evil. Yes, she was the original evil queen. On the day Elijah is directed to confront King Ahab, the servant, Obadiah, didn't want to carry the message to the often erratic King Ahab. Who knew how he would react?
Elijah promised that he will not flee and will wait for King Ahab to show up. Their meeting ends in a challenge between Elijah and the prophets of Baal.
If you have not read the 1 Kings 18 passage in a long time, I encourage you to re-read it. It is almost humorous at times, but it ends in the deaths of the 450 prophets of Baal. As you can imagine, the King and the Queen were mad. Actually, the queen was furious. That is a story for another day.
Elijah continued to rejoice in the Lord. He prayed often. He rejoiced in God's provision. He prayed without ceasing. He gave thanks in all circumstances.
The Spirit of God surrounded Elijah and he stood firm. His example is powerful. He had God's word written on his heart. When tough times came, he was ready.
Today, I am grateful for the things written on my heart.
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