The Shift

And soon the sky was black with clouds. A heavy wind brought a terrific rainstorm, and Ahab left quickly for Jezreel. 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. 1 Kings 18:45-46 NLT 

King Ahab was fleeing a major storm in his horse-drawn chariot, and he left ahead of Elijah. Elijah, who did not have access to a chariot, was on foot. Elijah was “behind.”

In life, storms will come. We try to escape them. Oftentimes storms come with violence and destruction, putting us “behind” in life. Do you feel behind, or to say it another way, like others are ahead of you in life? Do others seem to have advantages that you don’t—more wealth, more power, and more resources than you do? King Ahab appeared to have those advantages over Elijah. But then the prophet’s circumstances shifted.

What happened to Elijah’s circumstances? God happened! God gave supernatural strength to Elijah. By faith, Elijah got ready to run (tucking in his robe). And then he ran—literally taking steps of faith! And he who was behind suddenly found himself ahead.

Lord, may you encourage every believer who feels behind in life. Don’t let the storm of their circumstances overtake them. Show Yourself strong on their behalf, grant them supernatural strength to outrun their “Ahab.”

—Paul