“ALL IS NOT LOST” – GOD IS STILL GOD

Many times, when there is a sudden shift in the tide of things, and when it begins to go against us, we start to despair. In such a situation, we not only despair, but much more than that, we start to lose hope.  When we begin to lose hope, we begin our slide. When we are sliding down, in all probability, lose track of things, and go on a free fall. Prophet Elijah too had such a situation. Let us see what happens with him. Let us see what we can learn from it.

Prophet Elijah asks God for fire to come down, and it does. The fire burns the offering, which was soaked in water. The prophets of Baal are also killed in the process. This amazing incident is recorded in 1 Kings 18:20-40. We will begin at 1 Kings 19 for our meditation.

Coming to know about the incident, wicked queen Jezebel, vows to kill Elijah. The man who witnessed a mighty miracle, just a little while earlier, and so full of courage and fire, suddenly turns mellow, and is running scared from this wicked queen, and her desire for vengeance. What a turn in the events!
“3 And when he saw that, he arose and ran for his life, and went to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. 4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, LORD, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!”* Latter in verse ten Elijah says – *”10 So he said, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.” – 1 Kings 19:3-4; 10.

The LORD, looking at Elijah’s situation, and his fear, speaks to the prophet. Elijah is not only scared, but is presuming that he is the only one who is standing for the LORD. This can happen to anyone of us. The LORD had to nudge Elijah out of his presumption, and remind him that, Elijah is not the only one, who is standing for YAHWEH – “18 Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” – 1 Kings 19:18…there were seven thousand more, who were faithful to YAHWEH!!!

There is a lesson for all of us, who are in despair, and have lost hope about the situation. When we passionately work for the LORD, we being to presume that the work of the LORD, depends solely on us, our ability, and our hard work. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The LORD is Sovereign. He has His own ways. He has His people in all places. His purposes are not dependant on us, and our ability. He can get His work done through anyone. May we always remind ourselves that the LORD is sovereign, and He is still on the throne.