Lessons from a new King and a new Prophet

Setting the background:

Israel splits (931 BC) - 10 northern tribes become known as Israel.  2 southern tribes as Judah.

Northern Kingdom - set up new temples and golden calves for worship.  Has 6 kings over the next 57 years - ALL BAD!!!!

Then - a new King - Ahab - from bad to worse.  1 Kings 16:29-33

Then - a new PROPHET - 1 Kings 17:1-6 - Elijah - rugged mountain man prophet - similar to John the Baptist.

Now - for the story:  1 Kings 18:1-19:19 - 3rd. year of drought.
Vs. 21 - "how long will you waver between two opinions?"
vs. 37 - "that these people will know"

Note:  Beersheba - southern-most town in Judah.  Horeb = Mt. Sinai where Moses received the 10 Commandments.

LESSONS FOR US????  - James 5:17 a  - "a man just like us"

#1.  God's Presence (power, working) is not always accompanied by great miracles  (powerful movements, dramatic events)
Examples:  1) still, small voice  2) history of Israel - several highs - exodus    conquering of Promised Land    David & Solomon   Return   Christ & Apostles

These peaks separated by long periods of dark times, dry times. 

So....
#2.  God doesn't stop working when the fire stops falling .... nor should we.  1 Kings 19:15

Note:  most workers never see fire fall!!! - 1 Kings 19:18 - these 7000 were not there to see the fire fall, yet were faithful during all those 3 1/2 dry years
John 20:28-29
Example:  Jeremiah - despised, ridiculed, but never quit.  Tradition says not one convert in the 40+ years he preached.

#3.  There's no shame in getting knocked down.  James 5:17 - Elijah was a man just like us.  If you fight the battles, gonna get knocked down.

#4.  There's no gain in staying down.  1 Kings 19:10
On one hand, God provides rest
 However, that doesn't mean retirement - 1 Cor. 15:58 - stand firm

#5.  Elijah was a man just like us - James 5:16-18
Point:  You cannot know IF and when you'll make a difference! 

So - 1 Cor. 15:58 - STAND FIRM!!!!!