Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 19
Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” 1 Kings 19:18
In his moment of loneliness, Elijah received a word of assurance from God. He had run off into hiding because he felt that no one was there for him when he needed help the most. He had been a help to others; now he was in trouble and there was no one to turn to.
Elijah’s main worry was that Israel had been taken over by idol worshippers and the whole nation had turned away from God except himself. When he complained, God assured him that he was not alone; that there were about seven thousand people who had not yielded to the lure of evil and idolatry. These were people who identified with Elijah’s cause and could stand with him in his moment of crisis.
The question is, if there were seven thousand people who could stand with Elijah, why were they not standing with him? That is a very important question. The reason is that unfortunately, when people are in crisis, they tend to shut other people out of their lives; including those who can help them.
Elijah was not aware of what others were doing. He was a single-minded person who was only focused on what he was doing. Sometimes we feel alone because we don’t make time to discover what others are doing or going through.
Elijah had developed a persecution complex. He felt that the whole world was against him. The reality though was that there were lots of people who supported his cause. Because of his persecution complex, he magnified the bad news he heard about himself.
God assured Elijah that he was not alone. He also assures you today that you are not alone. There are many people who are ready to stand with you and help you deal with the opposition in your life. Don’t shut them out. Don’t allow self-pity to isolate you from the help that the Lord has appointed for you.
There are people going through what you are going through. God has prepared them for you. Get to know them. Build a strong support group that understands what you’re going through. That is one way that God helps us to overcome our challenges.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, grant me the grace to open up to the people you have placed as helpers in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen._
