When the prophet Elijah learned that the people had abandoned God’s instruction and were following other gods, he called a meeting at Mount Carmel. Elijah went before the people and said, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” Elijah called together the prophets of Baal and challenged them to a duel.

Two piles of wood were set up, and sacrifices were prepared. The god who lit the pile of wood would prove to be the real God. Baal’s prophets called on their god from morning till noon. They cut themselves until their blood flowed. They continued their pleas until evening, but there was no response. Then Elijah took his turn. After having the wood soaked with water, he called on the Lord. Here’s what happened next.

1 Kings 18:37-39 NLT
“O Lord, answer me! Answer me so these people will know that you, O Lord, are God and that you have brought them back to yourself.” Immediately the fire of the Lord flashed down from heaven and burned up the young bull, the wood, the stones, and the dust. It even licked up all the water in the trench! And when all the people saw it, they fell face down on the ground and cried out, “The Lord—he is God! Yes, the Lord is God!”

Do you have any idols in your life? Do you have things that tug at your heart or even turn it in the wrong direction? Living without fear allows us to face those “gods” that stand in the way of following the Lord wholeheartedly. If you are running away from God, it’s time to stop and turn your heart back to him again.

Father, we acknowledge you as the only God. Forgive us for chasing after other “gods” that give us momentary and shallow satisfaction. Help us turn our hearts back to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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