"So Ahab sent a message among all the sons of Israel and brought the prophets together at Mount Carmel. Elijah came near to all the people and said, "How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him." But the people did not answer him a word." – 1 Kings 18: 20 – 21
There comes a day in everyone's life when we just can't avoid the question any longer. We must decide whether to believe the God of the universe or the idols of this world. But first, what exactly is an idol? It's anything or anyone in life that comes before God. Sometimes these idols take the form of good things – like a spouse, child or career. Other times, idols can be dangerous and evil – like an addiction or sin.
For the Israelites, that deciding moment was the day the prophet Elijah faced over 450 prophets of Baal, the god of rain, in the ultimate show-down: Whose God or god would show up?
The story began when King Ahab turned his back on God, which resulted in three and a half years of severe drought and famine. You can read the full story in 1 Kings 17 and 18. Finally, God sent the prophet Elijah to demonstrate His true power against the prophets of Baal. That's where this story picks up in 1 Kings chapter 18 with Elijah challenging the people to get off the fence and decide – once and for all. Who would they follow? Only when the One True God sent down fire from Heaven after the "god" Baal had remained silent, did the people declare, "The Lord, He is God!" They finally got off the fence.
What about you? Are you wavering in your faith? Are you hesitant to be "all in" in your walk with God? Ask God for the clarity and the courage to take a stand. Just like the people in Elijah's day, may today be the day you decide to be all in for God. It will be a decision you won't regret –God promises it!
