Even When—
TB, HS, SM, WB, LG, MM, JP, AV represent the foreign international missionaries serving, those who are celebrating their birthdays today. Often, we have heard that when we focus our prayers upon these missionaries, especially praying for each one of them who we do not really know by name but by birthdate, that on their birthdays (because of God’s power) miracles happen.
The power of God is ALL-POWERFUL!
Yes, I know, that seems redundant and makes someone retort, “You think!” Nonetheless, God’s power is ALL-POWERFUL not because of what we do but because of WHO GOD IS!
There are several instances, many situations, and numerous narratives we could turn to as proof; however the one that commands my attention is the ‘showdown’ between the gods of Baal and JEHOVAH GOD.
When we pray and call upon the name of God, He is faithful to respond to our faith.
“Answer me, O LORD, answer me,
(The 1st Book of the Kings 18: 37 NASB)
that this people may know that You, O LORD, are God,
and that You have turned their heart back again.”
Even When—
- All of Israel was gathered in attendance to observe the battle on Mount Carmel.
- Queen Jezebel threatened to kill all the prophets of the LORD.
- Elijah, the LORD’S prophet was told by the LORD to present himself to King Ahab.
- Elijah’s life could be compromised & lost, in fact, to death.
Still Though—
“Elijah said, “As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand,
(The 1st Book of the Kings 18: 15 NASB)
I will surely show myself to him today.”
Even When—
- The gathered prophets of Baal numbered 450 &
- The gathered prophets of Asherah amounted to 400.
- King Ahab invited all of Israel to come observe how Baal would defeat the LORD.
- The prophet Elijah stood alone against so many.
Still Though—
“Elijah came near to all the people and said,
(The 1st Book of the Kings 18: 21 NASB)
“How long will you hesitate between two opinions?
If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.”
But the people did not answer him a word.”
Two oxen were first placed upon the altar of Baal, and then cut up into pieces. After that, the wood for the fire was added. However, no fire was added.
Then, the prophets of Baal began to call upon this foreign idol.
- All the people watching thought this was a great plan: Baal vs. the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY.
- All the people there on Mount Carmel wondered how the God who answered would prove once and for all—“He is God.”
Even When—The people doubted & just did not know Jehovah God’s power,
Still Though—The people saw the LORD’S power manifested that day.
If we are a student of God’s Word, then we know the narrative, the way the prophets of Baal cut up an ox and called on the name of their god.
We also know there was no reply.
As one who knows the Bible, we know these same prophets leaped around their altar until noontime, crying out in loud voices, pleading with their god Baal to answer them.
We know there was still no response.
Finally, as those who know the Truth of God, we read how these same prophets cut themselves and bleed all over the ground throughout the middle of the day.
Even When—These prophets of Baal & Asherah tried with all their might
Still Though—No foreign, fake god they called upon paid any attention to their cries, to their pain, or to their plea.
Then, the LORD revealed Himself to the watching world!
Elijah, God’s prophet,
- Repaired the altar of the LORD that had been torn down with 12 stones.
- Dug a trench around the base of the altar.
- Arranged the wood.
- Cut up the ox into many pieces.
- Instructed those watching to fill and pour 4 pitchers of water on top of the offering.
- Then he had them do so again, a 2nd time.
- Then Elijah asked them to pour the 4 pitchers of water on top of the altar a 3rd time.
“The water flowed around the altar and he also filled the trench with water.”
(The 1st Book of the Kings 18: 35 NASB)
There is a melody sung by artist Jonathan McReynolds that has these lyrics:
“May Your Struggles Keep You Near the Cross.
May Your Troubles Show that You Need God.
May Your Battles End the Way They Should.
May Your Bad Days Prove that God is Good.
Let Your Whole Life Prove that “God is Good.”
Great life-victories require great battles. &
When God’s people call upon the powerful name of the LORD, miraculous displays are seen.
- Our struggles are definitely noticed by God.
- Our pain is seen by Holy God.
- Our Father loves us—This we know!
- Our God loves us—With an everlasting love!
THE LORD GOD JEHOVAH ANSWERS OUR PRAYERS—WHEN WE CALL UPON HIS NAME!
Even When—the watching world wants to believe God is not who He says He is—
Still Though—Jehovah God proves otherwise!
Evening came. Elijah came near the altar and began to pray.
“O LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel,
(The 1st Book of the Kings 18: 36b-39 NASB)
today let it be known that You are God in Israel and
that I am Your servant and I have done all these things at Your word.
“Answer me, O LORD, answer me,
that this people may know that You, O LORD, are God,
and that You have turned their heart back again.
Then the fire of the LORD fell
and consumed the burnt offering
and the wood and the stones
and the dust,
and licked up the water that was in the trench.
When all the people saw it, they fell on their faces;
and they said,
“The LORD, He is God;
The LORD, He is God.”