In 1 Kings 18 and 19 Jezebel had been killing off prophets of the Lord. Obadiah, who was in charge of the palace, hid the remaining prophets and fed them.  While Obadiah is out trying to find grass for the livestock Elijah meets him.  Elijah sends Obadiah to tells Ahab he wants to meet him. Elijah challenges Ahab to meet him with prophets of Baal and Asherah.

Elijah reproves the people for worshiping both God and Baal. He sets out a challenge for Baal to show the people who the true God is. After much dramatic display God wins the challenge. The people recognize that the Lord is God. Elijah has the people seize the prophets of Baal and kills them. God then causes it to rain after three years of drought.

Ahab tells Jezebel what happened. Jezebel threatens to kill Elijah so he runs away. An angel of the Lord sustains Elijah so he could go Mt. Horeb. Elijah hides in a cave. Elijah feels sorry for himself because Jezebel is after him. He feels as if God has forgotten him even though he has been faithful. God tells Elijah to stand on the mountain because God is passing by. There is a strong wind and an earthquake and a fire but God is not in these things. Then there is silence.

Elijah comes out of the cave and God speaks to him again. Elijah repeats his complaint. God tells Elijah to return to Damascus. He is to anoint two kings who will rout out all those who have worshiped idols. God also sends Elisha to him to become a prophet.

When we feel like we are alone in the struggle we often look for a dramatic sign that God is there. Perhaps we should look in the silence of our hearts. It is there we will find Him.

In 1 Corinthians 16 Paul closes his letter. He encourages weekly offering collection on the first day of the week. As he finishes this letter he repeats the themes he has emphasized throughout the letter: stay alert, be strong in the faith, do everything in love, and support those who are called to serve the saints.