It must have been a severe trial to Elijah’s faith, first to note the gradual diminishing of the brook; then the abject poverty of the woman to

whom he was directed; and finally the illness and death of her child. But through it all, he held fast to the living God. It was still, ‘‘O Lord my God,’’ v. 20. Affliction is no proof that we are off the path of duty. The way of obedience is sometimes paved with flints, as every servant of God has discovered. But the difficulties only give room for the exercise of greater faith, and reveal more of the delivering power of the Almighty Friend.

The true physician bends over the little child of the poor, eager to save a human life; but his power is limited. To faith and prayer, however, other forces are available, which accomplish what no skill or medicine ean. When we have confessed and put away sin which the hour of anguish has brought to light, room is made for the exercise of that divine power which is always within the reach of hands that are lifted without fear or doubting.

Obadiah was a good man, but weak. He did his best to shield the prophets and to keep the true light from becoming extinguished,—1 Kings 18:13. But court favor had corrupted him. He stood before Ahab, while Elijah stood before Sop. Our Lord said that soft raiment and the king’s court go together, Luke 7: 25; and in the enervating atmosphere of a palace, it is granted to very few to retain the spirit and power of Elijah or of the Baptist. Who would not rather be Elijah than Obadiah! Elijah dared confront Ahab as the troubler of Israel, while Obadiah daily feared for his own life. Elijah rooted up idolatry, while Obadiah endeavored only to check its excesses. Obadiah sought

grass for the royal steeds, but Elijah’s prayer brought the rain. Let us dare to stand for God, though we stand alone!