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Read: 1 Kings 18:1-19
Listen: 1 Kings 18

Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.” 1 Kings 17:1

Many years have passed since Rehoboam’s actions divided Israel. David’s lineage still rules over the Southern Kingdom of Judah. However, ten of Israel’s twelve tribes now associate with the Northern Kingdom. Things couldn’t be worse. Ahab, Israel’s seventh king, has led the people away from God and into idol worship. God, who is faithful, will not let unfaithfulness linger. He sends his prophets to speak his word and bring the people back to the covenant. It’s in this tension that the prophet Elijah enters the story. He receives a message from God that there would be no rain. God wants their hearts, and he is willing to go through great lengths to get them back. He is even willing to use the circumstances surrounding their disobedience.

The same is true for us today. God is jealous for our hearts. He wants more for us than comfort or happiness, or even health or wealth. Those things linger for a moment and then fade like a vapor. God wants us to rest secure in a relationship with him that lasts. He desires our whole being and will use whatever means necessary to get us back, even the unexpected hardship or pain. As he did with Israel, God will fight for our hearts.

TODAY: Prayerfully consider if God has all of your heart. Make this your prayer for the week: “Heavenly Father, reveal to me the places where I’ve given my heart away. Show me how to return and give my heart back to you.”