The Men of Iron Minute

by Ryan Zook | Curriculum & Content Developer

The Role of Friends in Fulfilling God’s Plan

You might know that God spoke to Elijah in a still, small voice, but what did he say? 

Elijah was a faithful prophet in a wicked time. 1 Kings 18 tells the story of Elijah squaring off against hundreds of prophets of Baal, a false God at the time. Elijah mocks the wicked prophets. Eventually, God answers Elijah’s prayers, and then, in an incredibly violent fashion, Elijah kills 450 false prophets in the valley below the mountain. Then Elijah flees to the wilderness and falls into a deep depression. 

He tells God, “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.” 

What follows is a dramatic scene in which God promises to speak to Elijah, but not in the way he assumes. First, Elijah encounters a powerful wind, expecting to see God in the wind, but he’s not there. Then he encounters an earthquake, but God is not there, and then there’s a fire, but God is not in the fire. 

God finally speaks in a still, small voice. 

Here’s what God told him, 

“Go back the same way you came, and travel to the wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive there, anoint Hazael to be king of Aram. Then anoint Jehu, grandson of Nimshi, to be king of Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from the town of Abel-meholah to replace you as my prophet.” 1 Kings 19: 14-16 

God reminded Elijah of the mission and sent him to find a friend. Elijah only accomplished one of the three tasks he was given. Elijah chose his successor, who eventually became his friend. 

A huge part of God’s plan for Elijah was surrounding him with the right people, specifically the right friends.

Elijah chose Elisha to follow him, and Elisha eventually completed the tasks that Elijah could not. Like Elijah, you are meant to serve God with your life. 

Find the right friends to help you accomplish the task. 

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