We get discouraged and think we are the only ones…
God asked Elijah what he was doing on Horeb. Of course, God knew the answer, but Elijah needed to communicate it. I believe this is a typical strategy that God employs to persuade us to evaluate what is real. What are you doing where you are, Reader? Take a moment to consider how you would reply if your Maker asked you that right now.
Elijah told God how faithful he had been for God, and how alone he felt as a result. He described how he was escaping again for his life. God had some news for Elijah. He instructed him to anoint the upcoming kings and his own successor. That was a glimpse into the near future and inspiration to return and get to work. Then God had a correction for Elijah’s pity party. He wasn’t alone. There were 7,000 persons who had not worshiped Baal.
Sometimes we become frustrated and believe that we are the only ones who are sincere about God. Individuals and churches may feel this way, but there are always those who love God. He always preserves a part of it for himself. They may not appear or act like you, but God has protected their hearts, and they are not going the way of the world.
Consider: Do you feel alone, as if your task is done and you haven’t succeeded? Do not be worried or afraid. God is at work. He has more for you to do. He has a disciple awaiting instruction. He has thousands of followers who adore Him above all else. The work is not your responsibility. It’s up to God.
1 Kings 19:13b,14,18 13bThen a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 14He replied, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”
18“Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel-all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him.”
