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"The hand of the Lord was on Elijah, who girded up his clothing and ran before Ahab as far as the approaches to Jezreel." —1 Kings 18:46
Elijah possibly holds the world record for the marathon or the mini-marathon. He ran from the top of Mt. Carmel "as far as the approaches to Jezreel." Elijah ran before Ahab who was mounted on a chariot (1 Kgs 18:45). He may not have been "faster than a speeding bullet," but he was faster than a horse and chariot.
The Lord also calls us to be super-fast and world record-holders. We are to be fast to hear. "Be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger" (Jas 1:19). By God's grace, we can forgive lightning-fast. "Lose no time; settle with your opponent while on your way to court with him" (Mt 5:25). Furthermore, we have the grace to obey God instantaneously. If we are fast, then we allow God to be fast. He will give us "swift justice" when we pray (Lk 18:8). He will quickly humble our enemies, if only we hear Him and walk in His ways (Ps 81:14-15). The Lord will even crush Satan quickly under our feet (Rm 16:20).
God is ultra-fast. He has no past or future. He is the eternal NOW. He is faster than fast. Let Him be Himself in your life.
Prayer: Father, I'm sorry for slowing You down and then blaming You for being late.
Promise: Jesus said, "I tell you, unless your holiness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees you shall not enter the kingdom of God." —Mt 5:20
Praise: When anyone asks Sarah for prayers, she prays with them immediately.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our leaflet, Hearing God, or on audio AV 45-1 or video V-45.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 12, 2005
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