The famine in Israel lasted three years until the Lord told Elijah, “Go, tell Ahab that I will send rain.”

Ahab’s palace steward, Obadiah, was faithful to God and had hidden 100 prophets from Jezebel. While searching for grass for the king’s livestock, he met Elijah, who told him, “Go tell Ahab I’m here.” Though fearful for his life, Obadiah obeyed.

When Ahab saw Elijah, he said, “So you’re the troublemaker of Israel!”

Elijah replied, “I’m not the one—you are, for abandoning the Lord and serving Baal. Gather all Israel on Mount Carmel with the prophets of Baal and Asherah.”

On the mountain Elijah challenged the people: “If the Lord is God, follow Him. If Baal is god, follow him.” He proposed a test: two sacrifices, but no fire. The God who answered with fire would be the true God. The people agreed.

The prophets of Baal cried out all day, shouting, dancing, and even cutting themselves, but nothing happened. Elijah mocked them: “Shout louder—maybe your god is asleep!” Still, no fire came.

Then Elijah rebuilt the Lord’s altar with twelve stones, placed the sacrifice on it, and drenched it with water until the trench overflowed. He prayed, “Lord, let it be known that You are God and I am Your servant. Answer so these people may turn back to You.”

At once fire fell from heaven, consuming the sacrifice, wood, stones, and even the water. The people fell on their faces and cried, “The Lord, He is God!” Elijah ordered the prophets of Baal seized, and they were all killed.

Then Elijah told Ahab, “Go eat, for rain is coming.” He climbed to pray, sending his servant seven times to look toward the sea. At last the servant saw a small cloud like a man’s hand. Elijah said, “Tell Ahab to hurry home before the storm stops him.” Soon the sky grew dark, the wind rose, and heavy rain poured down. Empowered by the Lord, Elijah ran ahead of Ahab’s chariot all the way to Jezreel.