“Some time later the son of the woman who owned the house became ill. He grew worse and worse, and finally stopped breathing. 18 She said to Elijah, “What do you have against me, man of God? Did you come to remind me of my sin and kill my son?” 19 “Give me your son,” Elijah replied. He took him from her arms, carried him to the upper room where he was staying, and laid him on his bed. 20 Then he cried out to the Lord, “Lord my God, have you brought tragedy even on this widow I am staying with, by causing her son to die?” 21 Then he stretched himself out on the boy three times and cried out to the Lord, “Lord my God, let this boy’s life return to him!” 22 The Lord heard Elijah’s cry, and the boy’s life returned to him, and he lived. 23 Elijah picked up the child and carried him down from the room into the house. He gave him to his mother and said, “Look, your son is alive!” 24 Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the Lord from your mouth is the truth.”” 1 Kings 17:17-24 NKJV
Father God,
The widow and her son had been ready to make there last meal and then die – when Elijah came. I can understand her grief and anger that when Elijah came and You Lord miraculously fed them all – he then died. She blames Elijah and You, God and herself. We are not told what he died of but it seemed sudden and he was not struck down by You. How soon we turn to blame everyone even ourselves. Elijah is devastated and he turns immediately to You.
His cry is personal and Your response is personal to his request. You raised the son from the dead but he would eventually have to die even if it is of old age. It leaves me with questions about why some recover and some who we pray for do not. I leave that with You Lord.
But remember that You would send another, Your Son, who You would raise from the dead. Not back to humanity but to return to You and be one with You and the Holy Spirit. Preparing for us a place and eternal life after we die (John 14:1-4)..
Sickness and illness is part of this worlds fall. But it is not the end. We can pray for recovery and it is a blessing when that prayer is answered. But better the prayer to Know Your Son and pass through death to eternal life with You. To know Your everlasting arms holding us underneath in all circumstances. So faith, hope and love is not stolen by the enemy. (Deuteronomy 33:27).
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Tuesday 24th June 2025
This is one of those hymns I never tire of because it leads me to the Saviour, faith and worship . . .
When I fear my faith will fail
Christ will hold me fast
When the tempter would prevail
He will hold me fast
I could never keep my hold
Through life’s fearful path
For my love is often cold
He must hold me fast
He will hold me fast
He will hold me fast
For my Savior loves me so
He will hold me fast
Those He saves are His delight
Christ will hold me fast
Precious in His holy sight
He will hold me fast
He’ll not let my soul be lost
His promises shall last
Bought by Him at such a cost
He will hold me fast
For my life He bled and died
Christ will hold me fast
Justice has been satisfied
He will hold me fast
Raised with Him to endless life
He will hold me fast
Till our faith is turned to sight
When he comes at last
Lyrics: Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Selah 2020.