Dear Friends and Family,
Ever feel like you’re “the only one”? Ever feel like the only one not getting ahead? Everyone else on Facebook, in Christmas letters, on TV – which is pretty much everyone it seems – is having a great time. Except you. Because you’re trying to do everything the right way. Even though it’s harder, that’s the way it’s supposed to be done. Using our God-given gifts in service to Him is hard. So, there’s a temptation to just give up and give in. After all, what’s the point of being a salmon swimming upstream only to perish after all that hard work?
The great prophet Elijah knows exactly how you feel. He’s done everything God asked and he’s done it the right way. He should be having the time of his life. After all, who wouldn’t be if they’d just asked God to do something as bold and audacious as hurl down fire to consume a soaking wet altar … in front of thousands of his enemies … to prove God was on his side. And then God does just that! (1 King 18:17-40)
Instead of everyone jumping to his side, Queen Jezebel put out an edict to have Elijah killed. Elijah went on the run. Elijah felt alone. Elijah felt like he’d failed God. Elijah gave up the fight. That’s when God came to him to encourage him. God nourished him – physically with bread and water, spiritually with His word and presence. Then Elijah went on to receive God’s next set of instructions. (1 Kings 19:1-8)
We can feel alone in the world as people, even those closest to us, reject us and our faithful witness. Life can be very difficult. But we are never alone. God is always with us. He longs for us to come to Him for spiritual bread – through His word, our prayers, our worship – lifting us up and energizing us for the journey. He even brings partners in mission to us – our brothers and sisters – who come alongside us. So, keep up the fight. Never give up.
In Christ’s Love,
Pastor Jim