Elijah was just a man. But this man was like a bolt of God's lightning in a dark kingdom.

We first see Elijah appearing to King Ahab who 'did evil in the eyes of God, more than anyone who preceded him'. Married to the wicked Jezebel, Ahab worshipped Baal and angered God more than any predeceasing Kings.

Somehow Elijah got an audience with Ahab, he made the most of it declaring: "As surely as the Lord lives, Israel's God, there will be neither dew, nor rain these years unless I say so." (1 Kings 17)

That took some guts! So, what next?

Elijah faced three seasons.

First, God told him to hide! In this Elijah faced brokenness; even his hiding place was called Cherith Brook, meaning to be cut, separated.

Sometimes, even when we are doing what God wants, we go through brokenness. It's then we might depend on God more, without distractions; feeling helpless we cry out to God.

Second, Elijah went through a season of depending on God who said: "I have ordered the ravens to provide for you there."

Raven takeaway, not quite what we would expect!

The country, like our economy perhaps, was facing financial breakdown; there was, of course, a drought, people were hungry. God offered food in a way that no-one could deny it was Him.

If we face financial difficulties, what can we do? Pray; ask God to provide a way. This may be answered in a regular, or a weird way, like with the ravens. Trust in these times is difficult, total dependence on God is testing, but it's the way to go.

Thirdly, Elijah was obedient. The brook dried up. Sometimes things dry up, end, because it's time to move on. This is hard, change is challenging. God might have new ways of provision, but we have to move into the right path to receive them. Then when we do it might not be what we expect.

God moved Elijah from the brook to a poverty stricken widow! She had nothing but a bit of flour and oil. This meagre looking, last minute provision, offered in faith by the widow, was miraculously transformed into food for three people.

Sometimes things come from God when you least expect it, in strange, impossible ways. Remember: God can do exceedingly more than we expect, or imagine.

Elijah was just a man; a man with boldness to step out and speak up for truth, faith to obey, and endurance to carry on. He had an amazing life of miracles.

Could we be like Elijah too?

Let's expect miracles today!

(Based on the Word by Christopher Rees - written by Sharron Hardwick).

New Life Christian Fellowship: Kilgetty Community Centre, 10.45 am Sundays. Please call 07788270871 if you want someone to talk to or pray for you.