When faced with trials, unbelievers, like the widow in 1 Kings 17, often shake their fists at God. Sometimes, they make one of God’s people, even someone close to them, the target of their anger. The widow says to Elijah, “What do you have against me, man of God? Did you come to remind me of my sin and kill my son?” (v. 18).

Elijah responds the way every Christian should: He does not return the anger but goes to God in prayer, relying on God’s power to change the circumstances. God then uses Elijah to achieve the first resurrection in the Bible. God does this historical miracle in the home of a Baal-worshipping widow in the lowliest of places. It is a lesson that when we pray and depend on God’s power, He will pour His resurrection power on the people and plans in our lives.

Elijah’s intensity in prayer for the boy was effective as he literally put his entire being into intercession. God honors this type of wholehearted devotion in prayer.

Elijah also did not hesitate to ask God, “Lord my God, have you brought tragedy even on this widow I am staying with, by causing her son to die?” (v. 20). Asking God “why” is not wrong. Gideon did it when faced with the Midianites. Job asked, “Why?” when tragedy struck his life. Even Jesus cried out to His Father from the cross: “Why?” Yet they all knew that God is all-powerful and can restore health, life, and victory.

With the resurrection of her son, the widow finally knew God. She responds, “Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the Lord from your mouth is the truth” (v. 24).

Does Elijah’s intensity in prayer inspire you?

Prayer: God, help me to pray with the kind of intensity with which Elijah prayed, believing that You will answer. Help me to devote more time, passion, and purpose to my prayer life. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing” (Matthew 26:44).

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.



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