By This I Know
Today’s Verse:
And the woman said to Elijah, Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in thy mouth is truth. ~1 Kings 17:24
Credibility is when we back up what we say with our life and actions. It means we are genuine and believable. Through credibility, we show that we are worthy of trust. Credibility is an essential component of leadership. Without this, we are suspect and cannot lead and develop followers to a goal. Elijah is a case study on excellent credibility.
Credibility is demonstrated through character.
“And she said unto Elijah, What have I to do with thee, O thou man of God?” This is the first time this woman refers to Elijah as a man of God. As a man of God, his character of life was to be blameless and above reproach. As a man of God, his character was to depict that he spent time in God’s presence, both in the Word of God and in prayer. His life had to demonstrate truth, integrity, honesty, and conviction. His private life and public life had to match up as being righteous and holy.
Credibility is demonstrated in crisis.
“And it came to pass after these things, that the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, fell sick; and his sickness was so sore, that there was no breath left in him.” The widow’s only son became very sick and died. We are told that there was no breath left in him. A crisis is an unplanned event that stretches the limit of your ability to trust in God, regardless of the outcome. It places you in a situation where, humanly, you are at your wits' end. You will panic and make an unwise decision; you will retreat in fear and be paralyzed from doing anything; you will become excessively angry and blame others, including God; or you will see the crisis as a gift from God to grow you. Credibility is proven or destroyed in a crisis.
Credibility is demonstrated through calmness.
“And he said unto her, Give me thy son. And he took him out of her bosom, and carried him up into a loft, where he abode, and laid him upon his own bed.” Elijah did not allow the widow’s anxiety to make him anxious. Instead, he calmly, but firmly, took control of the situation. “Give me thy son.” He had not been down this pathway before, but he was so prayed up that he just calmly took control by taking the widow’s burden and making it his burden and responsibility. He not only took control, but he showed merciful compassion. In spite of her showing disrespect for Elijah, he showed compassion for her and her son. Others had failed this woman in the past. Elijah did not want to fail her nor God.
Credibility is demonstrated through connection.
“And he stretched himself upon the child three times, and cried unto the LORD, and said, O LORD my God, I pray thee, let this child's soul come into him again.” Elijah took the boy to his prayer chamber and pleaded for the boy’s life. He had not had a situation like this before, but he knew that if God could stop the rain because of his praying, then God could restore the boy’s life. He showed credibility through prayer. He showed this woman that he could get a hold of God at that critical moment. Answers to prayer are essential to showing credibility. God answered Elijah’s prayer, and He gave this woman back her son. Elijah said, “See, thy son liveth.” She heard and saw Elijah’s connection through prayer.
Credibility is demonstrated through consistency.
“And the woman said to Elijah, Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in thy mouth is truth.” The widow saw consistency in the preaching, practices, and praying of Elijah. After seeing the miracle restoration of her son, she said, “By this I know.” Credibility must be lived, tested, and proven. Be a Christian who shows credibility at all times.
Have a credible God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Exodus 30-32