Reading With the People of God #12 - the Good LifeSample

Remember Who God Is

Elijah experienced an incredible victory over the prophets of Baal. This particular event was rewarding but had to be exhausting as well (yes, ministry can be tiring!). Yet, in the physical, emotional, and spiritual exhaustion during that ordeal, we find him afraid of Jezebel and her wrath.

Isn’t it true that when we are most weary, we center our thoughts on ourselves? Elijah was close to God in ways that most of us will never be; however, he needed God to show Himself. The power of the Lord is revealed in the most unlikely way, certainly not what one would expect after such a display of power over the prophets of Baal and the recent drought. More importantly, it was a personal revelation to encourage the prophet but also to show that he is not alone in following the Lord.

Though evil is present in many forms, we have nothing to fear over the power of God, but it takes that relationship to know what He is saying. Jesus reminds us to be careful not to judge for our sake and preferences but to be discerning even with our sharing. We are not to be wasteful of the message of God on those who only wish to argue. Our connection with God through the leading of the Holy Spirit will guide the right time to share the treasure of our faith. It is the Holy Spirit who convicts the hearts, and our pearls of the message of faith can only be effective when He is at work on a receptive heart.

Furthermore, like Elijah, we are to prove the power of God by asking in faith for those things that we need to complete His kingdom work. This is not a one-time event but a continual lifestyle of asking, seeking, and eagerness to be in a relationship with the Lord.

The challenge we face as we read is to continue in this journey, never giving in or giving up, knowing that we are not alone. We can expect that our Lord is the same powerful God He has always wanted our relationship and to show Himself to us.

* Primer contributed by Gaylyn Mott, Teacher, Musician, Yarn Artist, Member of Cornerstone Community Church