Gospel Outreach International

Have you ever felt alone in your faith or wondered if your prayers really make a difference? This Bible study on Elijah shows us how God can work powerfully through ordinary people who trust in Him. Through examining the life of this great prophet, we’ll discover how one person’s faithful prayer and obedience can impact an entire nation, just as Elijah’s prayers affected Israel for three and a half years.

Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. James 5:17

• Elijah was an ordinary man with extraordinary faith, demonstrating that God can work through anyone who is willing to serve Him
• The study of Elijah is particularly relevant for those who feel their service is hard and lonely
• God prepared Elijah for his ministry, just as He prepares all His servants through life experiences
• Elijah lived in a time of spiritual decline, yet remained faithful to God despite widespread apostasy
• His ministry was characterized by supernatural demonstrations of God’s power
• The prophet maintained complete separation from the evil around him while still being God’s instrument
• The secret to Elijah’s effectiveness was his intimate communion with God and consistent prayer life

Now Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.” 1 Kings 17:1

God speaks and answers primarily through His Word (the Bible) and through prayer. He is a personal God who desires relationship with His people. When we pray, as Elijah did, God responds according to His perfect will and timing. Sometimes the answer comes dramatically, as with fire from heaven, and other times through quiet provision, like ravens bringing food. God’s answers always align with His character and purposes, though they may not always match our expectations. He is faithful to hear and respond to the prayers of His people, just as He did with Elijah.

This Bible study reminds us that Jesus continues to work through ordinary people who trust Him completely. Just as Elijah was a man “with a nature like ours” who saw extraordinary answers to prayer, we too can experience God’s power in our lives through faithful prayer and obedience. The story of Elijah encourages us that no matter how dark the times may seem, God always preserves His faithful witnesses and works powerfully through those who fully trust in Him.

Bible References

• 1 Kings 16:28-17:1
• James 5
• Matthew 11
• Malachi 4
• John 1
• 2 Corinthians 6
• Hebrews 13:13
• 1 Kings 19