JULY 3, 1 Kings 17:1 

Israel, under the rule of King Ahab, had turned her back on God and gone to worship other gods.The Jews were steeped in idolatry.In mercy,God raised prophets to warn His people to repent of their sins and to foretell His punishment if they continue to sin. God sent Elijah to tell Ahab that God will shortly send a drought to punish the nation.

We learnt from Jesus in Luke 4:25 that the drought lasted for 3 years and 6 months. Imagine that – such a long drought! There would be so much suffering among the people. During a drought, when cattle and plants perish, there would be shortage of food and water. Put yourself in Elijah’s shoes. He had to appear before an evil king to deliver such a piece of bad news. Will you not be trembling with fear? One word from Ahab could send Elijah’s head rolling.

Elijah was truly brave. He believed that God will be with him always and confident that God will protect him. We too can have this confidence. What can we learn from Elijah? We can be sure that as long as we are doing what God wants us to do, man cannot harm us.

In Matthew 21:12 we read of a courageous deed of Jesus. Write it down. Do you know why it is considered courageous?

    ______________________________________________________
    ______________________________________________________
    ______________________________________________________
    ______________________________________________________

Thought: We must fear God rather than man.

Prayer: Our Father in Heaven, give me courage to serve Thee. It is often not easy, but with the help of the Holy Spirit, I’ll try my best! In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.