Elijah felt alone and abandoned. After a whirlwind of miraculous ministry—confronting the prophets of Baal, predicting a massive rainstorm, and fleeing for his life from a mad queen, Elijah sat in a cave. He sensed no hope on the horizon as he moaned out this prayer:

I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.

The Lord responded, but instead of wrapping Elijah in a big hug or telling him good job, Yahweh gave the next assignment. No time for self-pity, Elijah, too much work to be done. But then the Lord added this reassurance: Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.

Seven thousand—Elijah was not all alone after all. Scores of people whose hearts remained steadfast inhabited the land. Take courage, Elijah, more stand with you than you realize.

I find this passage incredibly encouraging. In today’s chaotic world where godly ways of living and treating others fade and disappear, thousands multiplied by thousands follow the Lord and practice his ways. I am not alone, and neither are you.

Stand strong. Stay courageous. Keep the faith.

1 Kings 19:9-18

Photo by DNK.PHOTO