“So he said, ‘I have been zealous for the Lord God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant…I am the only one left and they seek to take my life.’” 1 Kings 19:10

Choose Love

Sometimes I have felt like Elijah in the above verse. He had run from Jezebel after a great  miracle and work from the Lord with the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel when God proved Himself in front of the nation. Yet fear gripped Elijah because of Jezebel’s threats and he came to his own conclusion that he was the only one left who truly believed in God. The Lord assured him by a voice coming to Elijah, “What are you doing here Elijah?” and the Lord encouraged and commissioned him with reassurance of his calling and that there were seven thousand in Israel who had not bowed their knees to Baal.

It’s a funny thing what the mind can do with fear when left to itself without reading God’s Word, without fellowship, and without prayer. In our present situation it’s easy to hide and come to the conclusion we are alone.

I think I have grown and stepped up to bigger faith during this time of “staying at home.” After allowing my own thoughts to consume me, I heard the still small voice say, “I love you,” calling me to love others. It’s amazing how God’s LOVE can grip our hearts in the same way fear did previously, yet with peace and joy attached. His love truly lifts us up.

 The Lord has a different perspective. He has convinced me that when I’m truly listening and open to His Word through prayer and the Holy Spirit’s guidance, He has miracles to surprise me with. Instead of drawing my own conclusion with fear, He reminds me of His love and grace. I can completely trust that He is in control and I can be excited for His outcome.

 “…let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Without a doubt, these times are hard and confusing, but we have a great and mighty God who is in complete control and loves us. We are not alone. He has big plans and they are better than anything we can imagine!

Thank You, LORD for Your presence with each of us. How You long to give us Your perspective when we sit down and listen and are open to Your guidance! Help us with this, LORD. Thank You for loving us! In Jesus’ Name, amen.