1 Kings 17 – TESTED!
One thing we can count on as Christians is tests and trials. Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4, 1 Corinthians 10:13
All of God’s saints have been tested, including the great Prophet Elijah. Consider the tests that he faced in just one chapter of the Bible!
TESTED BY A DECLARATION TO A HOSTILE CROWD – Vs. 1
Ahab and Jezebel were wicked people (See 1 Kings 16:29-33).
They were not true followers of the God of Israel.
For Elijah to walk up to them and make a declaration that it wasn’t going to rain until he said so, was quite a test of bravery and trust in God.
TESTED BY A DEPARTURE TO A DESOLATE PLACE – Vss. 2-7
Because of the wickedness of Ahab and Jezebel, Elijah had to hide. God sent him to a solitary place where a brook provided his drink and his food was delivered by the Ravens. This was a test of Elijah’s willingness to accept what God would provide in the way of food without complaint.
TESTED BY DEPENDENCE ON A POOR WIDOW – Vss. 8-16
Elijah had to trust in the provision of God through a woman who was almost as poor as he was.
The woman had nothing but a little flour and a little oil, yet because she and Elijah were both obedient they had food during the whole draught.
TESTED BY DEATH OF THE WIDOW’S SON – Vss. 17-24
This was the biggest test of all, but Elijah passed the test! Through faith and prayer the dead boy was restored to life.