The God of Elijah
The great Chinese Christian, Watchman Nee, had taken a team of six others with him to the island of Mei-hwa, just off the coast of the mainland. The team evangelised for seven days but saw no response at all.
Motivated by frustration one of the team shouted at local villagers, “What’s wrong with you? Why don’t you believe?” “Oh we do believe,” said a spokesman. “We believe in our great king, the god Ta-Wang. He never fails us.” The people believed that their god had made the sun shine brightly for 286 years on his own festival day.
Incensed, one of the team yelled back “Then I promise you, our God, who is the true God, will make it rain on the festival day.” “Say no more,” the villagers laughed. “If there is rain on the festival day, then your Jesus is indeed God. We will be ready to hear Him.”
Watchman Nee wondered if their rashness would bring them undone, but, the more he prayed, the more he heard God saying to him “Where is the God of Elijah?” The team continued praying.
The festive day dawned with bright sunshine. “Lord, this doesn’t look like rain” Watchman prayed. God again answered “Where is the God of Elijah?” Hardly a word was spoken over breakfast. Everyone was so disappointed.
Then it happened. First, just a few drops. Outside the festivities began. The villagers hoisted their heavy idol onto a platform to carry down the street. The rain increased. They shouted to their god to stop the rain. It became a storm like no one in that area had ever seen. The men carrying the idol slipped, toppling the platform, breaking the head and arm right off.
In the next three days over thirty villagers were gloriously converted.
Where is the God of Elijah? Where are people of faith and prayer?
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