Today’s Bible reading is 1 Kings 19 and Acts 2.
“I’m the only one…” The only one who cares. The only one who is really invested. The only one walking by faith. The only one making sacrifices.
Have you ever felt that way? If so, could I encourage you to be careful with “I’m the only one”?
In 1 Kings 19, Elijah the prophet was convinced that he was the last one. Twice he tells God,
“I have been very jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.”
God’s answer? “I have seven thousand in Israel who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” Elijah was far from the only one.
One of the most encouraging things I’ve learned in working with Christians for the last twenty-one years? I’m only aware of a few of the threads of the enormous good that is being done all around the world by sincere disciples of Jesus. In my little sphere of experience, I’m barely touching the hem of the garment that God is weaving. Even within the life of a single church family, most of us are only aware of a tiny fraction of the good being done day-in and day-out by dedicated saints.
Do we realize that even in this social media age, there are men and women of all ages who aren’t practicing their righteousness in order to be seen by other people? Every day, all around us …
… sacrifices are made, kindness is shown, prayers are offered, hands are held, tears are shed, comfort is extended, hospitals and funeral homes and prisons are visited, the gospel is shared, prodigals are encouraged, temptation is defeated, real lives are impacted for the better …
… and no trumpet is sounded, no tweet is posted, no Facebook post is made, no Instagram photo is shared. But the Father who sees in secret knows and is proud.
Let’s be careful with “I’m the only one.” It wasn’t true in Elijah’s day. And an untold number of godly people are serving in ways that only heaven knows today. It won’t be highlighted on any website or cable news segment. But their reward in heaven is going to be great. Yours can be too. You’re not the only one.