The Boldness of Elijah

Seemingly out of nowhere, Elijah appears in Scripture. He had no family history, high office, or credentials to make him God’s choice to confront the terrifying and immoral leadership of his day. There is no evidence that Elijah was super spiritual. Like us, he was fearful and perplexed at times. Yet, with great directness he tells the wicked King Ahab, “As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word” (1 Kings 17:1).

Elijah’s act was outrageously bold because King Ahab was under the influence of his pagan wife, Jezebel. She had led King Ahab to kill hundreds of God’s people because they would not bow down to Baal. Delivering God’s message to Ahab must have seemed like a suicide mission.

At God’s direction, Elijah delivered the message and then hid in the Kerith Ravine. Sometimes God prepares His servants in places no one else can see. The hidden season is not wasted time; it is where faith is strengthened and dependence upon God deepens. There, Elijah learned that when God pulls you away into hiding, He will supply the power, provision, and protection needed to be prepared to be of even greater service to Him. We have no need to fear or to hold back, for Scripture reminds us: “God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8).

When the Lord calls you to step back, do not mistake His silence for His absence. He remains sovereign over every circumstance. Trust Him, obey His Word, and be ready when He calls you forward again.

Prayer: God, help me to have the kind of boldness that Elijah had to be obedient to whatever You command. Thank You for the reminder that, like Elijah, when You put us in a place or season of hiding, You are preparing us to be of greater service to You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.