Forming Faith Blog

Stepping Out in Faith (1 Kings 17)

Posted on October 22 2024 by Gregory Rawn

From his introduction, we see Elijah stepping out in faith, as does the woman in Zarephath. What does this look like for you, especially in difficult times?

A waterfall in Ein Gedi, Israel, a wadi near Ein Prat, the probably location that Elijah sheltered in.
Photo by Haley Black on Pexels.com (A waterfall in an Israeli wadi)
Seeing God

We are now over halfway through our journey through the Old Testament this year (a total of 15 Sundays). Last week, Solomon had built the temple in Jerusalem, and the priests saw the glory of the Lord after bringing in the Ark of the Covenant. Sadly, Solomon’s devotion to the God of his father David did not last, as he married many (many) foreign wives and—despite seeing God twice—started worshipping their gods. God, being unhappy with this, told Solomon that his kingdom would break apart after his son came into power (1 Kings 11:1-13).

And break apart the kingdom did as the northern tribes left his cruel and greedy heir Rehoboam. Most of the kings and queens that followed in both the northern kingdom (Israel) and the southern kingdom (Judah) rejected God and God’s ways, though the rulers of the northern kingdom were worse. The worst of those (to this point) was Ahab (1 Kings 16:30).

Stepping Out in Faith: The Prophecy

Into this situation steps Elijah, called by God to be a prophet. His first act is to confront the most powerful (and wicked) person in the kingdom: King Ahab. And he didn’t have good news. Israel would be hit with a drought, and he made it clear that this was God’s doing. [Interestingly, there is no “because” or even “until” clauses here. Often, God’s wrath is explicitly in response to some evil the people had done and could be avoided or stopped if the people repented. But given that the previous passage describes Ahab’s worship of Baal and child sacrifice, the cause is obvious.] This had to be frightening, but Elijah stepped out in faith, following God’s word.

Stepping Out in Faith: The Flight

I’m sure that Elijah was thankful that God gave him an escape plan and safehouse (or safe-wadi). He stepped out in faith, trusting that God would keep him safe and provided for. And God did. As long as there was water in the wadi (river valley), God also provided Elijah with bread and meat (though I do wonder where that came from).

Given the drought, the wadi eventually dried up, and God called the prophet to leave the kingdom of Israel completely and hide out in the Sidonian village of Zarephath (incidentally, Ahab’s wife Jezebel was a Sidonian princess). Not only was Elijah a refugee of sorts, but God sent him into “enemy territory.” But Elijah continued to trust God and step out in faith.

Stepping Out in Faith: The Food

The drought did not stop at the border of Israel, so the people of Zarephath were suffering, too. A woman there was on the edge of starvation along with her young son, likely a result of not only the drought but of her vulnerable status as a widow. When this strange, wild-looking foreigner arrived in the village, she started stepping out in faith, as well. When Elijah asked her for water, likely a precious commodity, she did not avoid him but agreed to bring him some.

Elijah then went further and asked for bread to eat. This could have sent her over the edge, running away to protect the minuscule amount of food, all that she and her son had left. But, when the prophet told her not to be afraid and gave her the promise of a miracle, she stepped out in faith to grant his request. Her faith was rewarded with food throughout the drought for her son, the prophet, and herself.

Stepping Out in Faith: The Son

In the optional passage of the assigned reading, tragedy strikes the woman. Her son became sick and died. In her grief, she blamed Elijah, who in turn lamented to God. But the prophet already knew that God could do the impossible, and so he stepped out in faith, pleading with God to revive the child. And God did.

Faith Formation Connection

How can we approach this text from a faith formation perspective? As I’ve mentioned before, I like to approach Bible passages with the goal to “explain and proclaim.” This is in no way new or revolutionary. In fact, I think it’s probably the most common approach.

To Explain

To explain is to tell the story in a way that your faith formation participants can understand—and remain engaged. This could be a paraphrased skit (pre-written or created by the participants), an interactive children’s story, or a simple read-and-discuss Bible study. The goal is that participants leave able to retell the story at their developmental and experiential level. In our Narrative Lectionary faith formation products, this is the Learning the Story activity.

  • How can you present this story in an engaging and interactive way?
  • How many senses can you engage (taste, touch, smell, hear, see, and move)?
To Proclaim

To proclaim is to connect to the story as our story. What do we learn about God? What do we learn about people and the world? What do we learn about ourselves, and how can this impact our faith and daily lives? How can we bring this story with us as we leave? In our products, we often explore this in that same Learning the Story activity, but connecting the story to faith practices is our Living the Story activity.

  • How can you evoke a sense of wonder and imagination here?
  • How can you encourage participants to step into the shoes (or sandals) of a character like Elijah, the woman, the child, or even King Ahab?
  • How can this story inspire us to step out in faith in our own lives?

May you be blessed as you step out in faith and encourage others to do the same.

In faith and hope,

Gregory Rawn (Publisher)

Download a FREE activity for 11/3/2024
Free Resource

During the main Narrative Lectionary year (September 8 to June 8), we provide a free resource download from one of our products to help you in your faith formation ministry. This week, download the activity “Lots of Bread to Share” from our Living the Word: Cross+Gen Education (NL) curriculum, though this activity can be used with other age groups! Cross+Gen Education is also available as individual lessons!

Order Faith Formation Resources

Order now for winter (and spring)! The fall season of our year-long resources ends on November 24, 2024, so now is a great time to order winter and spring seasons for the Narrative Lectionary, Revised Common Lectionary, and Classic Sunday School products. Products are available for immediate download. If you don’t have much time for children’s Christian education, then check out our Kids Mini Lessons for the NL and RCL.

Are you looking for shorter resources for family/intergenerational events or Sunday school? Check out our Learning Together series, a set of five-lesson units on a variety of topics. You can read outside reviews on both our newest Do Justice and Created to Care units! Our faith formation resources are easy to use, theologically sound, and inclusive.

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