A Grace-Shaped Life: Romans 9-16Sample

Not Alone

I have kept for myself seven thousand... (Romans 11:4)

“It is very hard to be all alone in your faith.” A young Iranian woman shared those words behind tear-filled eyes as she recounted her testimony at a retreat held by Words of Hope. With all church buildings in Iran closed, this retreat was her only opportunity to interact with Christians in a year. Do you ever feel alone in your faith? Maybe you feel that way right now. It’s hard to be alone.

In today’s reading, Paul recalls the time described in 1 Kings 19, when Elijah told God how alone he felt. It seemed as if all of Israel had abandoned God’s covenant and that he alone was left. He could not understand how so many could forsake God or how God could leave him alone to defend the faith. God informed Elijah at that point that he was not the only one who believed. God preserved 7,000 others who had not worshiped the false god Baal.

Paul sees Elijah’s example as an interpretation for his day and ours. Why do so many reject God’s gift of salvation in Jesus? Why does it seem some people’s ears cannot hear and their eyes cannot see (Rom. 11:8-9)? Because salvation is based on God’s grace and not our works (Rom. 11:5-6). We cannot force ears to hear or eyes to open. Only God, through the Holy Spirit, can open what is otherwise closed. It is hard when we feel alone in our faith. No matter our circumstances, God promises that we will never be alone.

As you pray, ask God to encourage those who feel alone in their faith.