Faith in Action(3) - Elijah
Faith in Action: The Power of Believing Like Elijah
Faith, when applied in God's way, will always yield the intended results. As we’ve seen in previous posts on Faith in Action, the prayer of faith is not just words—it is an effective, transformative force.
Elijah: A Man of Extraordinary Faith
Today, we delve into the story of Elijah, a man whose faith shook an entire kingdom. James 5:17 tells us: “Elijah prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain.” Imagine that—no rain for over three years! Picture a city like London, Toronto, New York, or Lagos experiencing such a drought. Now, if that isn’t faith, what is?
Breaking It Down: Elijah’s Confidence in God
The Bible records in 1 Kings 17:1 that Elijah declared: “As the Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years except at my word.” His words carried absolute confidence and unshakable belief in God.
Elijah’s first declaration wasn’t just a random statement—it was rooted in his relationship with God. He knew precisely what he was asking for. He understood the circumstances and boldly decreed his request, as seen in Job 22:28: “You shall decree a thing, and it shall be established for you.” This was faith in action! Elijah stood firm, never doubting, even when the situation became dire.
When he met the widow in 1 Kings 17, he delivered God’s word to her with unwavering faith. He didn’t question God, nor did he express doubt. Instead, he confidently proclaimed that there would be no lack “until the day the Lord sends rain on the earth.” He never flinched, never wavered.
Speaking God’s Word into Existence
When it was time for the rain to return, Elijah simply declared what God had already spoken. This aligns with a key principle of faith: Find a scripture to back up your request.
Elijah's decree was not just his own words; it was the fulfillment of God’s promise. 1 Kings 18:41 records his bold statement: “For there is the sound of abundance of rain.” He called forth rain as though it already existed. That is faith in action—speaking the unseen into reality.
Elijah Was Just Like Us
Sometimes, we elevate biblical figures to a status beyond our reach, but James 5:17 reminds us that Elijah was “a man with a nature like ours.” He experienced emotions just like we do—fear, hunger, exhaustion. He even ran for his life when he was threatened! Yet, his faith in a God who never fails set him apart.
The Power of the Prayer of Faith
The Bible says in James 5:16, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” For a long time, I believed this only applied to those with great anointing or a special standing with God. But here’s the good news: through Jesus, we have already been made righteous (2 Corinthians 5:21). We don’t need to attain righteousness—it has already been given to us.
Faith That Moves Mountains
Elijah’s story challenges us to:
Speak with confidence, knowing God’s promises are true.
Stand firm in faith, even when circumstances seem impossible.
Decree and declare, believing that what God has spoken will come to pass.
Recognize that faith is not reserved for a select few—it is for everyone who believes.
So, are you ready to put your faith into action? Just like Elijah, you too can see God move mightily in your life when you stand firm on His promises.
Stay tuned for more on Faith in Action!
