The Battle of Mt. Carmel was a showdown for the ages.  Elijah was about to stand up against the wicked King Ahab.  That was tough enough.  He had the power to kill Elijah.  That is why it took Elijah 3 years to stand before him.  But the question I have for you is would you have been tough enough to stand up to the 650 prophet of Baal and Asherah.  That would have been much tougher.  One on one maybe, but one on 650?  That took guts.  And to challenge them at this dual and putting yourself at a disadvantage as well (with the water).  That was true faith.