Stack the Sacrifice & Pray

In 1Kings 17 - 19 we see the story of an Israelite nation led by King Ahab, rich and powerful but living in dark and desperate days. Idol worship had destroyed the nation and all manners of evil prevailed. To draw his people back, God chose to send a prophet. The man he sent was a Tishbite named Elijah. Elijah was a man full of faith, bold, and willing to take a stand. Elijah was also a man of passionate prayer - a spirit-filled man who knew God was alive. There was no watering down the message when Elijah spoke.

In Chapter 18 the story culminates with Elijah confronting King Ahab and challenging him to a contest between the king’s 850 prophets and Elijah. They meet at a place of idol worship called Mount Carmel to see whose god could provide fire for a sacrifice. Over several days the Israelite people gathered to see whose god/God was more powerful. Elijah, being true to his nature, asked the people directly, “Whose side are you on?” The people waivered - they wanted to see the winner before making their decision. In other words, they “wimped out.” We, as Christians, have the same decision to make – the world, or Jesus.

With God’s assistance, the contest is won and the false prophets are no more. Elijah had made it to the top. With a powerful victory like this, one would think Elijah would be “riding high.” However, recent victories and successes do not always last. News that Queen Jezebel was looking to have him killed caused Elijah to surrender to fear and flee. He ended up under a broom tree bathed in depression, just having a good old-fashioned pity-party. He needed recovery.

The same God who called Elijah to service, will now reach out to the despondent prophet. He will ask Elijah, “What are you doing here?” God is not going to abandon Elijah, but comes to him in gentle wind. Elijah had been on a “high,” but now has sunk to an all time “low.” God knows Elijah needs to quiet down so he can hear God speak.

Recovery isn’t a mountaintop experience, nor is it a rock bottom life. It has to be worked out day by day, focusing on God in prayer and action. On Friday nights that’s what we try to accomplish at Celebrate Recovery - helping people deal with their “hurts, habits and hang-ups,” and get back on track with Christ at the center of their life. You can stay where you are, and live with your issues; but, we hope you will come…and together we will Celebrate Recovery!

In Christ,

Jerry McGuire