1 Kings 18:16–46

At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. ³⁷ Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.”
³⁸ Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench.
³⁹ When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, “The Lord—he is God! The Lord—he is God!” (1 Kings 18:36–39, NIV)

It probably is not wise to challenge God to a contest of strength and might.

Thought Questions:

Given the situation and the odds seemingly stacked against Elijah, how do you think Elijah was feeling as he began this “contest?” Why do you think this is the case?

In what ways do you find yourself in a challenge and faced with long odds from people who ridicule or dismiss God and his power? How do you handle such situations?

While perhaps it was not fire coming down to consume a sacrifice, how have you seen God’s power demonstrated in your life?