Faith over Fear

For years, Doug Banister, a Christian from Knoxville, Tennessee, had taken mission trips to Romania. God had moved powerfully on those trips, but Doug sensed a call to get more involved in the raw needs of his own community. So, he became the head coach for a swim team started by a Christian urban youth ministry. It was there that he met a young boy named Martin. Martin was painfully thin for his age and kept shivering uncontrollably by the pool, even through a heat wave. Doug shares what happened next with Martin:

A few weeks later, Martin squeezed in beside me on the bus ride to our first swim meet. He was a wiry, bouncy 10-year-old … [who] could rarely sit still long enough to hear the workout set. Yet today he slumped down against the window and curled into a ball.

"Coach Doug," Martin asked, "can I have my dinner now? I haven't eaten in two days." A father of four, I know a con when I see one. "No, buddy," I teased. "You need to wait until after the meet like everyone else."

The summer got even hotter, and Martin kept shivering. One evening, a social worker who knew Martin dropped by the pool. I asked her if she knew why Martin always shivered. She pulled me aside and whispered, "It's because he's literally starving. The woman he lives with told a judge that she was 'starving the Devil out of him.'"

Martin never stopped shivering that summer, but he did start swimming faster …. Then Martin stopped showing up. Nobody at his house returned our calls, and Martin missed the rest of our meets. At our year-end swim banquet, we gave Martin the "Most Improved Swimmer" award. He wasn't there to receive it. A friend and I drove the award to his house after the banquet. After many knocks, a man answered the door. He wasn't happy to see us. We handed him Martin's trophy and told him how well Martin swam. "I don't know where he is," the man said. He shut the door.

Doug's encounter with at-risk youth like Martin in his own community profoundly changed him. He confessed, "I realized that I knew more about poverty in [Romania] than I knew about poverty in Knoxville. I was pursuing the common good of a city across the world while neglecting the common good of the place where I lived."

We hear this story this morning, and I don’t know about you, but the first time I heard it, I shook my head… I mean dough missed a major opportunity. I mean Doug sensed a call from God… to get more involved in the raw needs of his own community. And yet, when the opportunity arose, Doug missed it. Doug struck out.

But then I got to thinking. How many times am I like Doug? How many times are we like Doug, and has good put a great opportunity right in front of us, a chance to witness, a chance to be a blessing… and yet we completely miss it?

If you have your bibles, turn with me to the book of 1 Kings 18. I Hope you brought your bible as we will be considering quite a bit of scripture. As wrestle with this idea of how do we respond to opportunities God gives us are we people walking in 1. Fear or are we people walking in 2. Faith

1. Turn with me to 1 Kings 18, as we first look at walking in fear.

1 After a long time, in the third year, the word of the Lord came to Elijah: “Go and present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain on the land.” 2 So Elijah went to present himself to Ahab. Now the famine was severe in Samaria, 3 and Ahab had summoned Obadiah, his palace administrator. (Obadiah was a devout believer in the Lord. 4 While Jezebel was killing off the Lord’s prophets, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them in two caves, fifty in each, and had supplied them with food and water.) 5 Ahab had said to Obadiah, “Go through the land to all the springs and valleys. Maybe we can find some grass to keep the horses and mules alive so we will not have to kill any of our animals.” 6 So they divided the land they were to cover, Ahab going in one direction and Obadiah in another.

7 As Obadiah was walking along, Elijah met him. Obadiah recognized him, bowed down to the ground, and said, “Is it really you, my lord Elijah? 8 “Yes,” he replied. “Go tell your master, ‘Elijah is here.’”

9 “What have I done wrong,” asked Obadiah, “that you are handing your servant over to Ahab to be put to death? 10 As surely as the Lord your God lives, there is not a nation or kingdom where my master has not sent someone to look for you. And whenever a nation or kingdom claimed you were not there, he made them swear they could not find you. 11 But now you tell me to go to my master and say, ‘Elijah is here.’ 12 I don’t know where the Spirit of the Lord may carry you when I leave you. If I go and tell Ahab and he doesn’t find you, he will kill me. Yet I your servant have worshipped the Lord since my youth. 13 Haven’t you heard, my lord, what I did while Jezebel was killing the prophets of the Lord? I hid a hundred of the Lord’s prophets in two caves, fifty in each, and supplied them with food and water. 14 And now you tell me to go to my master and say, ‘Elijah is here.’ He will kill me!” 15 Elijah said, “As the Lord Almighty lives, whom I serve, I will surely present myself to Ahab today.”

So, we stop and consider the scripture, and we notice several things, first, we notice in verse 1 it says: 1 After a long time, in the third year, the word of the Lord came to Elijah: “Go and present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain on the land.”

If you’ll recall from last week a massive drought has hit Israel. We learn from James 5, that this drought lasted 3 ½ years. And here’s the crazy part. God allowed this drought to take place because the people’s hearts had dried up, and because Elijah Prayed that it would not rain.

And so, there’s this long season of no rain, which of course would have a huge impact on both the crops and the livestock. There’s no water for the plants and subsequently, their streams and rivers are beginning to dry up, and there is a massive problem at hand. Food is becoming scarce, people are beginning to become frantic, and God intervenes as we just read in verse 1, because he tells Elijah: “Go and present yourself (himself) to Ahab, and I will send rain on the land.”

Now here was that problem with Ahab, if you remember from last week. Ahab’s not a righteous man. In fact. He’s viewed as the most evil king to ever rule Israel

We learn from 1 Kings 16: 30 30 Ahab son of Omri did more evil in the sight of the Lord than all who were before him (he’s encouraging the widespread practice of worshiping Baal, and Asherah)

And if that weren’t enough, evidently, he’s got a real gem of a wife. I love how the bible phrases this, we’re told: 1 Kings 16:31 31 As if following in the sinful footsteps of Jeroboam son of Nebat were not bad enough, he married Jezebel the daughter of King Ethbaal of the Sidonians. Then he worshipped and bowed to Baal.

Here's the point, Ahab is a bad guy. He’s worshipping Baal. His wife Jezebel is wicked. So much so that she goes through and is killing all of the prophets of the Lord. And Times in Israel are desperate.

It’s at this point that we’re introduced to Obediah. Obediah, who is both the palace administrator (or high ranking official) but also a devout believer. So much so that at the knowledge of Jezebel who is killing off the believers, Obediah steps in helps avoid further execution. We’re told: 4 While Jezebel was killing off the Lord’s prophets, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them in two caves, fifty in each, and had supplied them with food and water.

So, we see Obediah. A righteous man caught in a hard place. A man who’s devoted to God… yet his employers the king and queen are evil… As we continue, we find Ahab comes up with a plan to have Obediah go and search for water in one direction while he goes and looks in the other… for we’re told: 5 Ahab had said to Obadiah, “Go through the land to all the springs and valleys. Maybe we can find some grass to keep the horses and mules alive so we will not have to kill any of our animals.” 6 So they divided the land they were to cover, Ahab going in one direction and Obadiah in another.

And it’s at this point that Elijah Is introduced: For we’re told: 7 As Obadiah was walking along, Elijah met him. Obadiah recognized him, bowed down to the ground, and said, “Is it really you, my lord Elijah? 8 “Yes,” he replied. “Go tell your master, ‘Elijah is here.’”

And that is where the problem exists. You see before, Obadiah was willing to act in a secretive way to protect the Lord’s people. And Certainly, had this been found out… such an act of treason would have been punishable by death. Afterall, there is a state of a drought at hand… and Obediah is using the king’s surplus and supplies to provide for the need of 100 men of God. Let along the fact that he’s hiding them from the queen who is trying to kill them.

So, he’s already serving in a bold and daring way for the Lord. But now, the ante is upped. Obediah is asked to do something that would surlily get him killed. Elijah tells Obediah to “Go tell your master, ‘Elijah is here.’” and here’s the key... Obadiah has a decision to make. On one hand, I’m a man of God. I’m committed to living for the Lord. I’m committed to obeying what I’m told… at the same time, Obediah knows that this will cost him his life. If he goes and tells King Ahab that Elijah is there… if Elijah Can’t be found that’s the end of it.

9 “What have I done wrong,” asked Obadiah, “that you are handing your servant over to Ahab to be put to death? 10 As surely as the Lord your God lives, there is not a nation or kingdom where my master has not sent someone to look for you. And whenever a nation or kingdom claimed you were not there, he made them swear they could not find you. 11 But now you tell me to go to my master and say, ‘Elijah is here.’ 12 I don’t know where the Spirit of the Lord may carry you when I leave you. If I go and tell Ahab and he doesn’t find you, he will kill me. Yet I your servant have worshipped the Lord since my youth. 13 Haven’t you heard, my lord, what I did while Jezebel was killing the prophets of the Lord? I hid a hundred of the Lord’s prophets in two caves, fifty in each, and supplied them with food and water. 14 And now you tell me to go to my master and say, ‘Elijah is here.’ He will kill me!” 15 Elijah said, “As the Lord Almighty lives, whom I serve, I will surely present myself to Ahab today.”

You see Obediah in the next several verses would act in faith. Obediah would in fact go and tell King Ahab that Elijah was there… but listen. When we find Ahab in these moments, he’s not exactly responding in faith; he’s responding in fear. Sure, he’s hid 100 prophets of the Lord. Sure, he’s even taken supplies and food to provide for their needs. But this request… this is a death sentence.

You see I’m reminded of the 2015 film Inside Out — This film takes place inside the mind of 11-year-old Riley, who learns to wrangle five personifications of her emotions — Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust, and Anger while making the life-changing move from Minnesota to San Francisco.

The movie portrays that each of these emotions creates a core memory which makes the person be the person he or she meant to be. But also emphasizes moments where things get out of hand. For instance, in the case of fear. While Fear’s main job is to protect Riley and keep her safe. He is also constantly on the lookout for potential disasters, and spends time evaluating the possible dangers, pitfalls and risk involved in Riley’s everyday activities. Unfortunately, there are very few activities and events that Fear does not find to be dangerous and possibly fatal.”

Fear is always the most prepared, always ready to make lists of everything that couldpossibly go wrong. He often represents the voice of caution. Like the other Emotions, Fear took the backseat during Riley's childhood as Joy prevailed in her life. But as she has grown older fear has taken a focal poing in the voice of reason.

For most of us, we’ve seen inside out. From an animated movie standpoint, it’s actually one of my favorite movies. But the truth is, is we can in many ways relate with this idea of fear that Gets in our way.

Like Peter walking on the water, who he suddenly notices the storm at sea, or also like peter who swore he would never disown Christ, yet 3 times… goes on to say he has no idea who he is… This is a moment that Obediah seems to wrestle with as well… This is where Obediah is in these moments.

I wonder about us. When things get difficult in life, how do we respond? When the bills are paid, when things are going perfect in life, when we’re on vacation… its easy to trust God in these seasons. But what about when our faith is put to the test? What about when the ante is upped? When things get really tough? Friends, how do we respond?

I’m reminded of 2 Timothy 1:7: For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Friends, God has given us faith this morning. Power, and self-control, are we walking that out today?

2. Walking in Faith

Strap in your seat belt. OT Tells the story. 1 Kings 18:16-38 16 So Obadiah went to meet Ahab and told him, and Ahab went to meet Elijah. 17 When he saw Elijah, he said to him, “Is that you, you troubler of Israel?”

18 “I have not made trouble for Israel,” Elijah replied. “But you and your father’s family have. You have abandoned the Lord’s commands and have followed the Baals. 19 Now summon the people from all over Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel. And bring the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table.” 20 So Ahab sent word throughout all Israel and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel. 21 Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people said nothing.

22 Then Elijah said to them, “I am the only one of the Lord’s prophets left, but Baal has four hundred and fifty prophets. 23 Get two bulls for us. Let Baal’s prophets choose one for themselves, and let them cut it into pieces and put it on the wood but not set fire to it. I will prepare the other bull and put it on the wood but not set fire to it. 24 Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the Lord. The god who answers by fire—he is God.”

Then all the people said, “What you say is good.” 25 Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose one of the bulls and prepare it first, since there are so many of you. Call on the name of your god, but do not light the fire.” 26 So they took the bull given them and prepared it.

Then they called on the name of Baal from morning till noon. “Baal, answer us!” they shouted. But there was no response; no one answered. And they danced around the altar they had made. 27 At noon Elijah began to taunt them. “Shout louder!” he said. “Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened.” 28 So they shouted louder and slashed themselves with swords and spears, as was their custom, until their blood flowed. 29 Midday passed, and they continued their frantic prophesying until the time for the evening sacrifice. But there was no response, no one answered, no one paid attention.

30 Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come here to me.” They came to him, and he repaired the altar of the Lord, which had been torn down. 31 Elijah took twelve stones, one for each of the tribes descended from Jacob, to whom the word of the Lord had come, saying, “Your name shall be Israel.” 32 With the stones he built an altar in the name of the Lord, and he dug a trench around it large enough to hold two seahs of seed. 33 He arranged the wood, cut the bull into pieces and laid it on the wood. Then he said to them, “Fill four large jars with water and pour it on the offering and on the wood.”

34 “Do it again,” he said, and they did it again. “Do it a third time,” he ordered, and they did it the third time. 35 The water ran down around the altar and even filled the trench.

36 At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. 37 Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” 38 Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench.

So, I realize we just covered a lot of ground. And many of you guys are familiar with this story. But here’s what I love you have a scene where 450 prophets of Baal have gathered together. Not 1, or 2, but 450 of them. Who from morning till noon. Have their bull on the alter (gathered around and shout) “Baal, answer us!”

And the people are crying out, I mean they’re yelling from the top of their lungs, they’re dancing. and They even go as far at to cut themselves with swords and spears. They’re literally inflict pain on themselves to the point where blood is running down from their body. And for hours this goes on. And for hours there’s no answer… The bible says that: 29 Midday passed, and they continued their frantic prophesying until the time for the evening sacrifice. But there was no response, no one answered, no one paid attention.

Church in their time of need, they cried out to their idol, to their Baal… The god of fertility and weather. And in their moment of need when they needed rain for their fields and livestock, when they needed fire from heaven to come down to earth to consume the bull… there is no answer. No response.

And I love how Elijah responds, he’s making fun of them… Guys if you think God doesn’t have a sense of humor think again: 27 At noon Elijah began to taunt them. “Shout louder!” he said. “Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened.”

Still no answer no response. Then Elijah steps in. He restores the altars. He sets up the 12 stones, symbolizing the 12 sons of Israel. He has a trench dug and orders that 4 large jugs of water be filled. And 3 times, he orders that this water be thrown over the bull, and the wood and the alter… in fact, it so much water, that it begins to flow… (hand) over into the trench… Fills it completely.

Then what happens? Elijah prays. “Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command.”

And in this moment God responds. Fire from heaven falls. It consumes not only the bull, but the wood, and the stones, and the soil, and even the water in the trenches…

You see church. God answered his prayers. (Prayer of a righteous person, is powerful and effective.) and then we see in verse 39 39 When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, “The Lord—he is God! The Lord—he is God!”

You see church, here’s the point. 1. Elijah Prayed for the rain to stop… The rain stopped. 2. Conditions were bad for 3 ½ years. 3. In time, the people would realize Baal couldn’t answer them. 4. But then, out of love. God would save his people. 5. God would use a man by the name of Obediah who would have his faith tested (Obediah would grow through this ) and God would also a man by the name 6. Elijah who would act in faith. 7. And finally God would come to the rescue of his people.

When it all came to pass, God would show up. God would send the fire. God would then send the rain. God would hear the prayers of his people, even if just one man who cried out… and God would answer.

James 5 :17-18

17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. When the idols didn’t come through. God came through. God showed. Friends, God does amazing things when his people. Respond in faith…

2 Chronicles 7: 14

if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Call the Worship Team back up

1 Kings 18:21

21 Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions?

If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people said nothing