Dependence and Obedience

1 Kings 18:36-37
"And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word. Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the LORD God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again."

 We see what God did through Elijah at Mount Carmel and marvel. As well we should. The demonstration of God's power is awe inspiring. It stirs in each of God's children a desire to be used like that. A desire to see God's power in an amazing, tangible way where the hearts of a nation can be turned back again.

 However, when we become frustrated that God perhaps is not working that way in our lives, we must remember two things. First, Elijah was waiting in the wilderness and with the widow for at least three years before God called him out. And during that time, Elijah was learning every single day what it meant to rely completely and utterly on God. Second, the key phrase Elijah says is, "I have done all these things at Thy word..." The challenge to the false prophets of Baal was not a whim of Elijah's, but direct guidance from the God Elijah had become so sensitive to.

 A lifestyle of utter dependence on God and a willingness to listen and obey, doing all things at His word. This is what it took to get Elijah to Mount Carmel. Are these things I'm allowing God to build in my life?