What are characteristics of the man or woman God uses? What is God’s process for developing a person he can use greatly? As we study the life of Elijah, we learn something of these things. James 5:17-18 says this: “Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.”

James essentially says even though Elijah accomplished many great things in his life including causing it not rain for over three years and then causing it to rain again, we can be just like him. The power in his prayers can be in our prayers. The impact that he had on the nation of Israel can be ours. But more than that, the pleasure that he brought God can be ours. Elijah was a man just like us.

As we begin a study on Elijah, it is not just to stand in awe at how God used him. It also is for us to cry out to be used as he was. Second Chronicles 16:9 says this: “For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” This message is important because God is on alert, he is looking for young men, young women, old men and old women who can he use greatly for his kingdom. One version says that he finds these people so he can show himself “strong on their behalf.” He is looking for someone who he can show his strength through.

Are you a person God can use? When you look at David, Joseph, Moses and others, you will find many common characteristics and common paths of development. We will see some of these as we study Elijah in the hope that we will put ourselves in a position where God can use us greatly as well.