“Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars; I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me.” And what was God’s answer to him? “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” Romans 11:4
These words were spoken by Elijah in 1 Kings 19 after he had wrought a great victory over the Baal worshippers. Sometimes we may feel like or think we’re the only ones going through whatever we may be going through. But God’s answer to Elijah that day is still His answer today. “I’ve reserved for myself a remnant.” Child of God, you’re never alone. He’s as close as the mention of His Name. If you have received His Son as the Lord of your life, then here’s His promise to you. “I will NEVER leave you or FORSAKE you!”( Hebrews 13:5). He said it another way,
“I will not leave you comfortless I will come to you.” (John 14:18). Yes my brothers and sisters! You can and will find all you need in the Word, and you are never alone.
Isolation and separation were never a plan of God. He’s the One who said that it is not good for man to be alone (Genesis 2:18). What we’re experiencing today during this pandemic is not of God! Yes, He’s sovereign but this separation of families and isolation and loneliness is not of God. If you’re feeling lost and helpless there’s hope. Not the “I hope so’’ wishing kind of hope. The hope I’m speaking of is a person. His Name is Jesus! He’s the only One who can promise never to leave or forsake us and actually follow through on that promise.
Whatever you may be facing right now, don’t despair and lose faith. Elijah thought he was all alone in his struggle for righteousness. He felt like the whole world had walked away from God and he was the only one speaking up. But my friend, God always has a reserve. Are you one of the reserved? One who God can speak of as a part of His remnant? Have you positioned yourself in this season as one of God’s problem solvers or are you a part of the problem?
What truths are you sharing with your friends, neighbors, coworkers or family members that is assuring them that they’re not alone? Are you one of God’s reservists? Are you spreading fear or faith during this season of uncertainty? Do you repeat the latest news or are you repeating the Good News? Elijah felt alone because the church, it seemed, had gone missing. You see, my friends, when you’re willing to stand up for what and Who you believe in, it will feel lonely. But the Holy Spirit will always remind you that you’re not alone. God has an invisible army reserved for such a time as this. Don’t lose heart. Keep standing in faith, don’t compromise and don’t retreat. Your God will come right on time. If you don’t faint you’ll see the victory. I’ll borrow a phrase I just read recently. Sometimes we’re too close to our lives to see what God sees (E.Morgan).
Elijah had victory that day. He just couldn’t see it because he allowed fear to creep in. The destroyer of faith is fear. Fear is torment 1 John 4:18. In this season of isolation and separation (yes, it’s only a season) don’t allow fear to rob you of your confidence in God. Be a part of His remnant! Refuse to give in or internalize what’s going on around you. Don’t see it as happening to you but for you! Use this time to seek the Lord and grow in Him. Come out stronger than when you went in. He will not fail you!
Father, in Jesus Christ you have made me complete and more than a conqueror. Everything I need is in Him. I may be alone but I’m never lonely because You’re with me and better still, You’re in me because of Your Holy Spirit. Help me find my rest and peace in You in these uncertain times. According to 1 John 5:14 we have confidence when approaching You, and that we can ask anything according to Your will and that You will hear us. So with confidence I approach your throne, believing that you will never leave me nor forsake me. Thank you for Your Word, filled with precious promises. In Jesus Name. Amen
Find a promise in God’s Word today and hold to it. You’ll never be the same
Written by permission of the Holy Spirit
W. Tennant