RUNNING LIFE’S RACE WITH GOD’S STRENGTH
After using Elijah to defeat the prophets of Baal in a fire from heaven contest, and sending rain in response to the prophet’s prayer, the Lord strengthened Elijah to outrun Ahab’s chariot. Some have suggested that he ran the 16 miles from Mount Carmel to Jezreel before the king’s chariot to honor Ahab as the king of Israel. But a better explanation might be informed by the word given through David, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God” (Psa. 20:7).
Ahab’s false religion was defeated on Mount Carmel and his false reliance on worldly power was defeated in a foot race on the way back to Jezreel. The zeal of the Lord empowered Elijah to outrun a chariot to show what He can do through one man who truly trusts in Him.
I am reminded of the words of Olympic gold medalist and missionary, Eric Liddell, who answered the question of why he ran saying, “God made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.” Surely Elijah must have felt the Lord’s pleasure as he fulfilled the purpose for which God had made him.
PRAYER: Dear Father, help us to learn to run life’s race with Your strength and not depending on our own. As we say “Yes” to whatever You call us to do, may the power to will and the power to do always come from You. We give You this day. In Jesus’ name, amen.