When the Odds Are Against You

When the Odds Are Against You
Week 2 of The Prophet’s Mantle

Last week, we met Elijah standing before a people who couldn’t decide where their loyalty belonged. His message was clear—God alone is the Lord, and He calls His people to repentance and faith.

This week, the story takes a dramatic turn. The king wants him dead. The queen is wiping out the prophets of the Lord. Only 7,000 in the entire nation remain faithful. And now, Elijah faces 450 prophets of Baal—alone.

The scene on Mount Carmel is tense. Elijah calls for all of Israel to gather. He issues a challenge: “The god who answers by fire—He is God.” The false prophets cry out to Baal all morning. They dance. They shout. They even cut themselves. But nothing happens.

Then Elijah steps forward. He rebuilds the altar of the Lord. He drenches the sacrifice with water—once, twice, three times—making it impossible for any human to light. And then, he prays.

What happens next is unforgettable. Fire falls from heaven, consuming not only the sacrifice but the wood, stones, dust, and even the water. The people fall on their faces and cry, “The Lord—He is God! The Lord—He is God!”

It’s more than an ancient victory story. It’s a reminder for us. We live in a time when the odds can feel stacked against faith. The world is loud with messages that oppose the gospel. We may feel like a little flock in a big, hostile field.

But Elijah’s story tells us something vital—God doesn’t need the odds in His favor. He simply calls us to show up, speak truth, and pray. The results are His.

This Sunday at Mount Lebanon Church, we’ll dig into this powerful moment in Israel’s history and see what it teaches us about courage, faith, and the God who still answers with fire.

Series: The Prophet’s Mantle – Week 2
Time: Sunday, 9:30 am
Place: Mount Lebanon Church

Show up. Speak truth. Pray. Watch what God will do.