Have you ever felt that God has placed you on the sidelines, leaving you wondering when He will call you forward again? In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef turns to the extraordinary story of the prophet Elijah to reveal why seasons of waiting, isolation, and uncertainty are never wasted in God's hands.
Elijah appeared in Scripture without impressive credentials, a prestigious position, or a remarkable family history. Yet God chose this ordinary man to confront King Ahab, whose wicked leadership and allegiance to Baal had brought spiritual devastation upon Israel. In a remarkable act of courage, Elijah boldly declared that no rain would fall except at his word, delivering God's message despite the danger posed by Ahab and Jezebel.
But immediately after this courageous confrontation, God directed Elijah into hiding at the Kerith Ravine. Why would the Lord withdraw His servant just when his ministry seemed to be beginning?
Dr. Youssef explains that God often prepares His servants in places no one else can see. In Elijah's hidden season, the Lord provided protection, daily provision, and opportunities to grow in faith. What might have looked like inactivity was actually preparation for greater service.
The same God who sustained Elijah promises to provide what His children need for every good work. As 2 Corinthians 9:8 reminds us, God is able to bless His people abundantly so they can abound in the work He has prepared for them.
If you are experiencing a season of waiting, uncertainty, or apparent silence from God, take heart. His silence does not mean His absence. Trust His timing, obey His Word, and remember that He is sovereign over every circumstance. When God calls you forward, He will equip you for the work ahead.
Pray with me.
Father God, help me have the kind of boldness Elijah had to obey whatever You command. Thank You for the reminder that, like Elijah, when You put us in a place or season of hiding, You are preparing us to be of greater service to You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
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[00:00:01] This is Dr. Michael Youssef, and you are listening to today's My Devotional from Leading The Way, Uncompromising Truth for Everyday Faith. The 5th of November, 2026, The Boldness of Elijah Seemingly out of nowhere, Elijah appears in Scripture.
[00:00:22] He had no family history, high office, or credentials to make him God's choice to confront the terrifying and immoral leadership of his day. There is no evidence that Elijah was super spiritual. Like us, he was fearful and at times perplexed. Yet, with great directness, he tells the wicked king Ahab in 1 Kings 17, verse 1,
[00:00:48] As the Lord, the God of Israel lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word. Elijah's act was outrageously bold because King Ahab was under the influence of his pagan wife Jezebel. She had led King Ahab to kill hundreds of God's people because they would not bow down to Baal.
[00:01:14] Delivering God's message to Ahab must have seemed like a suicide mission. At God's direction, Elijah delivered the message and then hid in Kerith Ravine. Sometimes, God prepares his servants in places no one else can see. The hidden season is not wasted time. It is where faith is strengthened and dependence upon God deepens. There, Elijah learned that when God pulls you away into hiding,
[00:01:43] He will supply the power, provision, and protection you need to be prepared to serve Him even more. We have no need to fear or to hold back. For Scripture reminds us, God is able to bless you abundantly so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9, verse 8. When the Lord calls you to step back, do not mistake His silence for His absence.
[00:02:13] He remains sovereign over every circumstance. Trust Him, obey His word, and be ready when He calls you forward again. Pray with me. Precious Lord, help me have the kind of boldness Elijah had to obey whatever you command. Thank you for the reminder that like Elijah, when you put us in a place or season of hiding, you are preparing us to be of greater service to you. I pray in the name of Jesus.
[00:02:43] Amen.