The God Who Answers by Fire

War movies and superhero movies are popular, in part, because people want to see how good triumphs over evil! Many recent movies have alluded to the fact that there is coming a final showdown between good and evil – God and Satan. The followers of each will be involved, and God Almighty will showcase his glory through those who are his children – his chosen ones! Here is a story that reminds me of what is getting ready to take place.

Elijah had been out in the desert, hiding in fear of Jezebel and King Ahab. He had been at a widow’s house where God was supernaturally providing for them. One day, God told Elijah to confront Ahab and the prophets of Baal. So, in obedience, Elijah summoned all of them to mount Caramel and gave them these instructions. “Now, bring two bulls. The prophets of Baal may choose whichever one they wish and cut it into pieces and lay it on the wood of their altar, but without setting fire to it. I will prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood on the altar but not set fire to it. Then call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the Lord. The god who answers by setting fire to the wood is the true God!” And all the people agreed.” 1Kings 18:23-24 

The prophets of Baal did as they were told. They frantically cried out to their God, invoking his power even to the point of slashing themselves with knives until their blood flowed. With great passion, they incessantly pursued their god all day long, dancing feverishly around the altar they had erected. After failing to produce the power to bring fire down from heaven, Elijah boldly took center stage and proceeded to call upon the God you and I serve.

“At the usual time for offering the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet walked up to the altar and prayed, “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, prove today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant. Prove that I have done all this at your command. O Lord, answer me! Answer me, so these people will know that you, O Lord, are God and that you have brought them back to yourself.” Immediately the fire of the Lord flashed down from heaven and burned up the young bull, the wood, the stones, and the dust. It even licked up all the water in the trench! And when all the people saw it, they fell face down on the ground and cried out, “The Lord —he is God! Yes, the Lord is God!” 1 Kings 18:36-39 NLT

Elijah did not need to dancer on the altar or cut himself to get God to move – all he needed to do was believe and speak! Hallelujah! The same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead is available to those who believe!

Ephesians 1:18-21  I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

We are in the last days, and God is ready to release his power through you and me! The Word of God tells us that God is not willing that any should perish. (2 Peter 3:9a) Therefore, God is looking for those who will believe him and act upon his word! God is in love with this world and wants everyone to know his love, grace, and forgiveness!

So what should you and I be doing? We need to surrender our minds to the truth of God so that we can become true people of faith. Yes, simple, childlike faith is all that is necessary! Bold, demonstrable faith rests on the shoulders of quiet trust! Trying hard does not release heavenly power; simple faith does!

The most essential step towards walking in the power of God is receiving his love and grace provided through Jesus Christ. Those who trust in their great knowledge or expert wisdom cannot enter here – only those who are willing to, like a child, surrender and receive! Oh, yes, those who are willing to go down this road of childlike faith are the ones who are going to see the manifestations of…

The God Who Answers by Fire