I think it is good for us to recognize that prophets of GOD were not omniscient beings. They did not always know what was going on. They only knew what GOD revealed to them. Sometimes we can make the prophets out to be superhuman beings but this is not the case. The prophets only knew and spoke what was given to them by GOD.
In verse 20, it seems like Elijah had no idea what was going on. He had no idea what GOD was going to allow to take place with the widow’s son. However, look at Elijah’s first response in verse 19. Elijah says, “Give me your son.” Elijah presents faith. It was almost like he was saying, “I don’t know what is going on, but give me your son, because I know someone who can handle whatever is going on.”
Once again, we see what was the key to the greatness of a man like Elijah—the key was Elijah’s trust in GOD. Elijah did not know all of the details but he knew who did and immediately took the circumstance to HE who knows all. As mentioned last week, I desire that my first response is like that of Elijah’s—a response of faith and trust in GOD.
A couple of things to help us with our first response:
Frist, know what GOD has said. When we know what GOD has said, we can respond accordingly. If we know that HE said there is nothing too hard for HIM (Genesis 18:14 & Jeremiah 32:27), that helps us go to HIM when “too hard” appears before us.
Second, remember what GOD has already done. David ran towards Goliath with confidence because he remembered that GOD had given him the strength to slay a lion and a bear (1 Samuel 17) in the past. David’s confidence was in GOD, not himself. His present confidence was because of GOD’s past working in HIS life. Remember what GOD has done.
So, let’s strive to consistently seek what GOD has said and be reminded of what GOD has done.
Grace and peace.
