When God Says “No” So That He Can Say “Yes” by Rusty McKie

I have always been intrigued by 1 Kings 19.  In 1 Kings 18, Elijah takes on Ahab, Israel and 850 prophets of Baal and Asherah, but in 1 Kings 19 he is scared to death by one woman: Jezebel.  Granted, Jezebel is not a lady I’d want to meet in a dark alley, but still — where did Elijah’s courage go?

The one who stood against many now runs from one (1 Kings 19:3)!  Some commentators have suggested that Elijah is running from God in this passage.  However, if you look at a map, Elijah is running straight to God!  He makes a trip through the desert to Mt. Horeb (another name for Mt. Sinai where Moses received the Law).

When Elijah gets to the mountain, God asks, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (19:9). Elijah responds:

“I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts.  For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” (19:10)

What is Elijah asking?  He is asking God to bring judgment against Israel (see Rom 11:2-3).  In fact, this whole passage is reminiscent of Moses’ journey with Israel to Mt. Sinai.  Elijah, trying to recreate the event, reminds God that he is the only faithful person left in Israel – “And I, even I only, am left….”

It would seem he wants the option that God offered Moses – to wipe out the Israelites and start over with him (Ex 32:9-14).  God replies to this bold request with a tornado, earthquake, fire and a low whisper (1 Kings 19:11-12), ultimately revealing Himself through the whisper.  Though Elijah wanted God to judge His people in ways that were similar to fire, tornados and earthquakes, God had other plans for judgment.

At that time God said “No” to Elijah’s request.  It would not be until Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration that God would say, “Yes.”  There Jesus told them of His coming Exodus (Luke 9:31).  By explaining His death, burial and resurrection, God finally answered Elijah.  He would judge sin, not through a forceful act of destruction upon a nation, but through the sacrificial death of His Son – a death that seemingly was unnoticed by most.

At this point we realize that sometimes God will say “No” to our prayers so that He can say “Yes” to our heart’s desire.  As we pray, let us remember that our prayers are often being used in larger ways than we know.  Let us remember that we can trust God in prayer.

Be encouraged!  You may not see the results of your prayers, but God is faithful and good to work out His purposes through them.