Strength from Above
READ: 1 Kings 19:9b-18
Life was difficult for Cinderella. But, in the end, she married a prince and lived happily ever after. Fairy tales usually end that way.
Real life for Elijah, one of God’s leaders, was even more difficult than Cinderlla's. The Israelites were worshiping false gods. They were even killing the prophets who warned them that their souls were in danger. Elijah felt alone and afraid. And then Jezebel, the queen of Israel, promised that she would kill him. Elijah ran to the desert and asked God to end his life.
But God had other plans. He strengthened Elijah’s body and spirit. Elijah needed to remember that Jezebel wasn’t the one in control. God was. And so God told him, “I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him” (1 Kings 19:18). God’s Word had been effective. Even though Jezebel and many unbelievers in Israel were killing prophets, God had kept seven thousand in faith. God’s words showed Elijah that many people still believed. God assured Elijah that not even the king and queen could separate believers from their Lord.
Jesus tells us that we will have problems in our lives. Some are common problems—pain, sickness, sadness, and loneliness. Believers face other problems too. The devil works unceasingly to lead us away from God. People around us may tempt us to sin. Our own sinful hearts cause us to sin.
But God doesn’t want us to give up because life’s too hard. He strengthens us with his promise: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life. . . . No one can snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:27,28). God will guard our faith to the end. His strength gives complete assurance.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: Recall a time in your life when you thought all hope was lost. Recall a time in your life when God reminded you He was in complete and perfect control. Think of everyday examples of God's presence in your life.
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS: Thank God for sustaining your faith. Thank God for all his blessings to you. Ask God to turn the hearts of those who do not believe in him.