May 19, 2026 - 1 Kings 18-19

Week 21

• 1 Kings 16:29-34, 17

• 1 Kings 18-19

• 1 Kings 21-22

• 2 Kings 2

• 2 Kings 5, 6:1-23

First Kings 18–19 describe some of the highs and lows of Elijah’s ministry. God gave Elijah the responsibility to confront the idolatry in the land, so Elijah assembled Ahab and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel for a contest between God and Baal. Identical sacrifices were prepared and the deity who would send fire to consume His sacrifice would show Israel whom to worship. The prophets of Baal tried all day to coax their god to send fire, but nothing happened. After Elijah offered a simple prayer, God responded with fire, causing the people to recognize the power of the one true God. The events on the mountain enraged Jezebel, and she threatened to kill Elijah. He was forced to flee into the wilderness where he thought he would die. From his place of fear and hiding, though, Elijah listened to the quiet voice of the Lord, who reminded him of his calling and encouraged him to continue in his ministry. We all face challenges similar to the one Elijah presented on Mount Carmel and faced for himself in the wilderness. Will we choose God to be Lord of our lives, or will we be content to rely on our own abilities and resources? When we accept Christ as Savior, we still face daily choices of whether to seek and follow the Lord’s guidance and to rely on His strength or to seek and rely on our own.

What convinces you that God is more powerful than anything else? Does your prayer life reflect this belief? What needs to change for it to do so? What might be the result?