Elijah, a prophet of The Most High God, had his awkward moments. Let’s check out a few of his highlights.
Elijah boldly strolled in to see the king unannounced and uninvited. Just as quickly as he walked in and delivered his short message, he walked right out. Then there’s that day on top of Mount Carmel. After mocking and taunting the prophets of Asherah and Baal, Elijah prayed a simple prayer and fire came down from heaven immediately. Shortly afterward, he outran the king’s chariot back into town. There’s also the time he asked a woman gathering sticks for water and bread without even saying hello.
One of his most awkward exchanges came when God told Elijah to anoint Elisha as his replacement. In obedience, Elijah went to find Elisha. They did not have a somber and reverent ceremony to mark Elisha’s new call. Instead, Elijah walked up, threw his cloak around Elisha and walked away. It was Elisha who chased after him to find out what exactly was to happen next.
Yet, for as quirky and awkward as Elijah was, he was still called by God. God used Elijah time and time again for great things. Though the Bible doesn’t say much about the relationship between Elijah & Elisha, we can see that God’s work was done well. Not only did Elisha stick around but he asked for a double portion of the spirit that Elijah had. Elisha saw the hand of God, even through the awkwardness.
If you compare Elijah’s behavior to some of the other Bible prophets, he does not rank high for grace and eloquence. However, there was enough good in Him that God knew He’d be able to use Elijah. Furthermore, Elijah was willing to do whatever God told Him. He was obedient.
There are times when we hinder ourselves because we don’t think we fit the part. We’re quick to list the reasons why we cannot do this, that and the other. We’re quick to forget that nothing is impossible for God—including using us for His work. God specializes in using misfits!
Some of us are more gracious than others. Some could give masterclasses in eloquence to the rest of us. There are introverts and extroverts among us who thrive exactly as we are. Regardless of what we may deem our strengths and weaknesses to be, God looks deeper than that. He looks for the hearts that He can use for His purpose and for His glory. God works through the awkwardness in undeniable ways.
If we’re willing and have a desire to follow Him, to be obedient to His call, God will use us for His amazing purposes!
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Written by Sabrina Jacques-Rowe
Communications Director
Henderson Highway Church
