The Confidence of a Prophet

The confidence of a Prophet is among his most powerful weapons in getting the people to listen to him or her. As leaders within the ranks of the Believers, they must speak with a level of conviction and authority that cannot be questioned. The ability of the Prophet to do this consistently is the difference (in some circles) between “Minor” and “Major” Prophets. It is also the difference between a Leader and a Powerful Visionary.

1 Kings 18:41-45 (New Living Translation)

Elijah Prays for Rain

⁴¹ Then Elijah said to Ahab, “Go get something to eat and drink, for I hear a mighty rainstorm coming!”

⁴² So Ahab went to eat and drink. But Elijah climbed to the top of Mount Carmel and bowed low to the ground and prayed with his face between his knees.

⁴³ Then he said to his servant, “Go and look out toward the sea.”

The servant went and looked, then returned to Elijah and said, “I didn’t see anything.”

Seven times Elijah told him to go and look. ⁴⁴ Finally the seventh time, his servant told him, “I saw a little cloud about the size of a man’s hand rising from the sea.”

Then Elijah shouted, “Hurry to Ahab and tell him, ‘Climb into your chariot and go back home. If you don’t hurry, the rain will stop you!’”

⁴⁵ And soon the sky was black with clouds. A heavy wind brought a terrific rainstorm, and Ahab left quickly for Jezreel. ⁴⁶ Then the Lord gave special strength to Elijah. He tucked his cloak into his belt and ran ahead of Ahab’s chariot all the way to the entrance of Jezreel.

See that Elijah “said” – he did not “ask” (v41). The Prophet is commanding the actions of a King, and he is being heard and obeyed (v42) without question. The use of and the power of your word choices will have a HUGE impact on whether of not you fulfill God’s Plans for you.

As usual, the evidence of Elijah’s confidence is not immediately apparent (v42-44). Even the first manifestation of his words seems insignificant (v44) when the servant describes the cloud as “about the size of a man’s hand”. Doubt says “such a tiny cloud can’t possibly make much rain at all” however confidence says “Climb into your chariot and go back home. If you don’t hurry, the rain will stop you”.  

In addition, the anointing makes itself evident as well (v45). God puts His Hand on Elijah and allows him to run faster than the chariots of Ahab. The anointing is the “whoa” moment that can be used by God to bring the non-believers into the fold. It is the death knell to the doubts of those who are watching you.

Grab hold of your convictions and your confidence. Steel your resolve and speak of your coming success without doubt in your words or actions. Look back on your experiences and see that He has been there for you and, in the words of Winston Churchill “act as though you cannot fail” when you are walking in His Plans for you in the world.

Blessings,

Bryan