I Kings 18:17
‘When Ahab saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, “Is this you, the cause of disaster to Israel?”‘
Ahab blames Elijah for Israel’s troubles. In the next verse Elijah turns it around and says, “I have not brought disaster to Israel, but you and your father’shouse have, because you have abandoned the commandments of the LORD and you have followed the Baals“, (verse 18).
When one rejects or disobeys God their thinking gets distorted. Romans 1:21 says, “For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their reasonings, and their senseless hearts were darkened.” It may be that Ahab thought he was innocent of Israel’s problems, but he was deceived. This is common. We can’t live with our own guilt, so we justify ourselves. We modify the story.
One may ask, “If this is true, could I be unaware presently?” David had the same thought and prays this in Psalm 139:23,24, “Search me, God, and know my heart; Put me to the test and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there is any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.” This is a great practice. Admitting to God that we are fallible and limited in our understanding.
God will give us wisdom. It’ll be enough for that circumstance. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” The way a flashlight works is that it allows us to see 15 or so feet ahead. When we obey Him and walk forward the light exposes more ground. If we stay in a stationary point, our vision is limited. God wants us to move. We might not be 100% certain, but He’ll assist.
Are there times when we are to sit still and wait? Yes. But while we are waiting on that answer, we are moving and living life. That particular area is paused. He will give us insight in His time.
Ahab had idols in the land. God forbid it. If we have an area of disobedience we should come clean and repent. Particularly if others are influenced by it.
Lord, thank You that You are for us. Help us to see if we have any sin in us. Thank You for Your forgiveness and help.