Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha
The race is neither to the swift nor to the strong. Please
see Ecclesiastes Chapter 9 verse 11, Romans Chapter 9 verses 15 to 16. The
overtakers unction is predicated on obedience; in particular, prompt, willing
and loving obedience to and for God. Elijah who ran on foot was able to outrun
and overtake Ahab who rode on a chariot because Elijah was obedient to God.
That explains why the hand of God came upon Elijah to outrun and overtake Ahab
who rode on a chariot. The question then is how did Elijah obey God? In verse
1, God instructed Elijah to go show himself to Ahab and inform Ahab that God
was going to send rain on the earth. Considering what had transpired between Ahab
and Elisha in addition to the fact that the land had not experienced even a
shower not to talk of rain in about three years, it was quite a tall order and scary
task for Elijah to go tell Ahab that God was sending rain. Despite the risks,
Elijah presented himself to Ahab, significantly not to immediately announce the
rain but to initiate divine processes that would lead to the downpour. In the
process, a good number of the prophets of Baal and Asherah, about eight hundred
were executed. But more important, Elijah repaired the altar of the Lord and
then announced rain. While Ahab went feasting, Elijah stayed with God, bowed in
intercession until there was a cloud. As Ahab scampered home in his chariot,
Elijah attempted to run as fast as his legs would carry him. But the ever
loving God Whom Elijah obeyed and served lovingly intervened. Elijah not only
outran and overtook Ahab: not a single drop of rain touched him. The rewards of
obedience, you may say.



