Reflections from Mt. Carmel

As my latest group of pilgrims to the Holy Land discovered, no journey there is complete without a visit to Mt. Carmel, its spectacular views of the coast of Israel, and then beyond to the hill country surrounding the Galilee region.  

It's also the biblical site of an epic showdown between Elijah and the prophets of Baal, the Mesopotamian storm god. The ancient people of the kingdom of Israel had endured a terrific drought, which brought famine into the land, and many had turned to worshipping Baal to end it.  

As I stood on Mt. Carmel, I reflected on this story and its implications for my own life as I faced uncertainty.  

At times in our lives, we may feel overwhelmed by circumstances that seem to suggest God has left us or forgotten us. In those moments, the temptation to turn away or to doubt His presence can be strong. 

Yet, the story of Elijah on Mount Carmel in 1 Kings 18:25-39 reminds us of an essential truth: even when God seems distant, God is faithfully working behind the scenes, calling us to trust God completely, rather than wavering between doubt and faith.

In this story, Elijah stands alone against the prophets of Baal, challenging them to prove whose god is truly alive. The prophets of Baal cry out, dance, and cut themselves, desperately trying to win their god’s favor, but nothing happens. 

Elijah then prays to the Lord, asking God to demonstrate God's power. Fire miraculously descends from heaven, consuming Elijah’s sacrifice and the water around it and demonstrating God’s sovereignty. The people, witnessing this divine display, fall on their faces and proclaim, “The Lord—he is God!”

Elijah’s victory was not just about the power of God but also about clarity in his commitment: He refused to be torn between two conflicting loyalties. 

Later, Elijah speaks a profound truth: “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is, then follow him” (1 Kings 18:21). Elijah understood that wholehearted devotion to God requires a decisive choice—an unwavering commitment to God's path, even when circumstances appear bleak or confusing.

This story challenges us to reflect on our own lives today. Do we find ourselves caught between trusting God and trying to control outcomes ourselves? 

It’s easy to be tempted to waver when prayers go unanswered, when setbacks come, or when we feel abandoned. But Elijah’s words remind us that faith isn’t about having a foot in two camps. It’s about trusting God fully, even when the way forward isn’t clear or easy.

Trusting God requires courage—daring to believe that God's plans are better than ours, even when fears about the future threaten our peace. It involves surrendering our need to control everything and trusting that God's sovereignty and love are enough to sustain us through every storm.

Today, I encourage you to evaluate whether you are truly committed to God's way or are wavering with doubts and fears. 

Make the deliberate choice to follow God wholeheartedly, trusting God will reveal God's purpose for your life, just as God revealed His power to Elijah on Mount Carmel. When we lean into God with faith, even in difficult times, we become witnesses to God's faithfulness.

 Trust in God today, knowing God is still working, and God's plans are ultimately for our good.

May it be so, and may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all, now and forever. Amen.