05/05/17 We Are Not Alone

READING: 1 Kings 19-20, Luke 23:1-25

“I will leave 7,000 in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal.”

1 Kings 19:18

You might think that ministers should never struggle with discouragement, but it happens. A lot, actually. The work of ministry is hard. The burden to lead well is great. The people we’re trying to lead often struggle with following God, and they don’t always listen to us. Sometimes, genuine enemies within the camp stand against us. We feel alone. We know that God is with us, but we don’t allow that truth to trump our defeated thinking.

Elijah was the same way long before us. He experienced mighty power when God consumed the sacrifices at Mt. Carmel in the previous chapter (1 Kgs 18:20-46). But, then Jezebel threatened to kill him – and the prophet fled. So great was his fear that he even asked God to take his life (1 Kgs 19:4). He was God’s prophet, but the circumstances in the moment stretched his faith to the point of breaking. Death seemed like the best solution. His hope was gone. God would seek out Elijah and call him forth with words that were both inviting and challenging – “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (1 Kings 19:13)—but Elijah’s battle was a real one.

A faith struggling with discouragement is often characterized by fearing opponents (“And he was afraid and arose and ran for his life” – 1 Kgs 19:3), desiring to die (1 Kgs 19:4), hiding in a cave (“there he came there to a caved and lodged there” (1 Kgs 19:9), and feeling alone in one’s faith (“I alone am left”  – 1 Kgs. 19:14). Hiding alone, Elijah decidedly reminded us that yesterday’s victory is no guarantee of today’s success in the spiritual battle. Indeed, the man who leads the battle today might be a casualty tomorrow were it not for the grace of God.

In the midst of discouragement, it’s wise not to expect God to make Himself known to us through dramatic acts like earthquakes and fire. He may choose to do so, but often He reveals Himself through “a voice, a soft whisper” (1 Kgs 19:12). Sometimes He simply speaks deeply into the human heart, reminding us that we’re not the only one in the game; after all, He still had at least 7000 on His side when Elijah was hiding (1 Kgs. 19:18).

You see, God’s voice when He speaks softly is just as authoritative as when He roars from the heavens. When we recognize that truth, we can press forward, always aware that we are not alone. Even if we don't see mighty works of God, but we can cling to the truth that not everyone has bowed His knee to a false god.

ACTION STEPS:

  • If you're hiding in your own cave today, come out. Talk to someone about your struggling faith.
  • Listen intently for God’s quiet voice through His Word today.

PRAYER: “God, let me hear Your voice today.”

TOMORROW’S READING: 1 Kings 21-22, Luke 23:26-56

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