Introduction (Elijah-Examples of Faith:One)

The name Elijah means Yahweh is my God. The Prophet Elijah lived in the 9th century BC and faced a world overcome by evil ideas and moral corruption–threatening to destroy Israel and send the country into slavery.

“Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months that it would not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.” James 5:17-18

Elijah’s life reveals many characteristics we can learn from. He became close with Yahweh, and because of his faith, the creator was able to utilize Elijah’s obedience and courage to assist his nation in a time of great trouble. I hope that these Examples of Faith I’m taking from my study of Elijah are insightful.

We first meet Elijah in the Book of 1 Kings without mention of family, age, physical description, or education, nor does he appear to have any qualifications to do the job he is asked to do. He’s not even, as of yet—at least as far as he’s concerned—a prophet. What Elijah does possess is an abundance of love for his creator and resolve to do what Yahweh asks him to do. He prays for it to stop raining, and it stops raining for three years and six months. Why? That question is the heart of a rich story filled with intrigue, faith and courage. He faces two of the most powerful individuals in biblical history. King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. This is what the bible says about Ahab:

“Surely there was never one like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the sight of the LORD, incited by his wife, Jezebel. He committed the most detestable acts by going after idols, just like the Amorites whom the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.”_ 1 Kings 21:25, 26 

And this is what was said about Jezebel, his wife.

Still, there was no one like Ahab, who devoted himself to do what was evil in the Lord’s sight because his wife Jezebel incited him._I Kings 21:25

Here is the first example that I see. It doesn’t matter where you’re from, your family background, how old you are, your nationality, age, sex, or how long you have been a Christian; you can become as close to the Lord as you like. Still, it must be the essential desire of your heart.

“The LORD Is Near To All Who Call On Him, To All Who Call On Him In Truth. Psalm 145: 18”

Elijah left his home, friends, and family and trekked with God, standing up against his country’s most potent and wicked rulers. For a time, he turned the tide of evil, and as we’ll see, with God’s help, he pulled off some of the bible’s most notable miracles.

Elijah-Examples of Faith:Two

Gratitude,

Anthony