Gods Sabbath

T HE C ONSEQUENCES OF G OD ’ S P LANS

251

One of Satan’s methods is to turn things upside down, inside out, or back-to-front. When Ahab met Elijah, the king blamed the prophet for the drought (see 1Kings 18:17).

you are responsible for the problem

sponse to his prayer of faith, the fire immediately descended. The enemy was thoroughly defeated and the people chanted their re-awakened acknowledgment of the true and only God (see 1Kings 18:21–39). Not a single hitch flawed the performance of God’s plans for two reasons. In the first place, the plan itself was perfect be cause it originated from Him alone. Secondly, Elijah never devi ated even slightly, from God’s specifications. What the Lord di rected him to do, he did. That was the secret of his success. He trusted that God knew best, and he had full confidence in God’s ability to fulfill His part, as long as he—as a human co-worker— did what God asked of him. Elijah’s subsequent prayer for rain was also under God’s di rection, as was his guidance of the king through the storm back to Jezreel (see 1Kings 18:41–46). Once Ahab passed through the gates, Elijah, having fulfilled his duty to the monarch, fell asleep while the rain poured down in torrents.

Elijah Flees

At this point, God’s perfect plan was nearing its consumma tion. Elijah was about to see the fruition of all the waiting and sacrifice which had filled the previous three years. God purposed to break the power of Jezebel and Ahab, and to effect a deep ref ormation throughout the land. Because these wicked rulers would not repent, they were to be removed from office. God’s