Introduction
Hi everyone, let's imagine this situation: I work at the VA, right? And I stumble upon something upsetting. I discovered that some of the bosses in our Community Living Centers, where we promise to look after our veterans, aren't doing the right thing. Now, this gets to me. Why? Because you guys, our veterans, have sacrificed so much for us, and you deserve nothing but the best care.
As I walk down these halls daily, I see so much more than just faces. I see incredible stories of bravery, sacrifice, and honor. You're not just patients in a hospital; you are real-life heroes who've given so much to our country. The thought of someone not treating you right really weighs on my heart. It leaves me with a tough choice: should I stay quiet or speak up for what's right, even if it means I might lose my job?
This kind of dilemma, this tough choice, it's not new. It's a timeless struggle that reminds me a lot of a story from the Bible – it's about Elijah in 1 Kings 17. Elijah lived when people weren't following God, and he had to stand up against some pretty bad stuff all by himself. He was brave and trusted in God, just like sometimes we need to be brave and trust that doing the right thing is worth it.
Today, we're going to dive into Elijah's story. We'll talk about the courage and faith it takes to stand up for what's right, especially when it's tough.
Trusting God in Hard Times with Absolute Truth
Let's start by really getting into Elijah's story. This guy had some seriously strong faith. Imagine this scene: Elijah walks up to King Ahab, a significant figure, and tells him it won't rain because God said so. But why did God choose such a harsh punishment for Ahab and his kingdom? Ahab had turned away from God, leading his people into idolatry and sin. His actions directly contradict God’s commands, a clear deviation from the absolute truth that God had set for His people. This drought was a punishment and a powerful message about the consequences of abandoning God's truth.
Picture the scene in the royal court: the surprised faces and the air tension. Elijah, standing firm, his voice steady, declaring God's message. This wasn't just boldness; it was an unwavering commitment to absolute truth in the face of a king who had embraced relativism – believing that he could shape his truth, separate from God.
Now, let's bring this into our context. Today, we live in a prevalent world of relativism – the idea that you can think and believe whatever you want. This sounds liberating, but it's important to understand that true freedom comes with a foundation, a ground to stand on. This ground is what we call absolute truth – the truth found in God's word that cannot be changed or altered.
In John 17:17, Jesus says, "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." This scripture reminds us that God's truth isn't just a set of rules; it's what sets us free. Without this anchor, we may think we're living freely, but the shifting sands of societal norms and personal opinions often bind us.
Consider the current crisis of truth in our society. We see it in the news, debates over moral and ethical issues, and our daily choices. The freedom to choose and believe can lead us down a path where everything seems relative. But as followers of Christ, we're called to anchor ourselves in the unchanging truth of God's word.
John Bunyan, whom I mentioned earlier, stood firm in his faith, even in jail. He understood that God's truth was his bedrock, even when the world around him was in flux. Like Elijah, who confronted Ahab's deviation from God's truth, and Bunyan, we're called to trust God and His truth in hard times.
Today's challenges might not be droughts or royal decrees, but they are no less significant. We face the challenge of discerning truth in a sea of relative opinions. It's in these moments that our faith is truly tested. Do we waver or stand firm on the solid ground of God's truth?
Think about a time when your faith was tested. How did you react? Did the world's relative truths sway you, or did you cling to the unchanging truth of God?
God Helps Us in Surprising Ways
Before we delve into the extraordinary way God provided for Elijah, let's understand why he was in the wilderness in the first place. After Elijah delivered God's message to King Ahab – that there would be no rain due to the people's unfaithfulness – he found himself in a perilous situation. Ahab and Queen Jezebel were furious and sought to kill him. God then directed Elijah to flee to the Kerith Ravine, a place of solitude and hiding, away from the wrath of the king and queen. While it seemed like a retreat, this move to the wilderness was part of God's protective plan and set the stage for one of the most remarkable demonstrations of God’s provision.
In this desolate and unexpected place, God chooses to help Elijah through ravens, which traditionally symbolize bad omens or curses. This choice by God is profound, reminding us that He can use even what we perceive negatively for our good.
Consider the story of Joseph in Genesis. His brothers sold him into slavery, an act driven by jealousy and malice. Yet, this act was part of God's plan to save nations from famine and elevate Joseph to a position of influence. Joseph later says to his brothers in Genesis 50:20, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." This narrative beautifully illustrates how God can turn even the actions of our enemies or those we would rather avoid, into something that serves a greater purpose.
Another powerful example is found in the book of Exodus. The Israelites, under the cruel rule of Pharaoh, cried out to God for deliverance. God used their difficult situation under Pharaoh, who was seen as an enemy, to showcase His power and ultimately lead His people to freedom. In Exodus 9:16, God says, "But I have raised you for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth."
These stories, and others like them, remind us that God's ways are higher than ours, as stated in Isaiah 55:9. He sees the whole picture, while we often only see a part. Sometimes, the very situations or people we wish to avoid are the ones through which God chooses to work.
Let's embrace this truth in our lives. Can you think of a time when something or someone you initially perceived negatively was a source of blessing or growth? It's a humbling reminder that God's perspective vastly differs from ours and that He can use all things for our good.
Embracing Change and the Hope of Heaven
As we reflect on moving beyond our comfort zones, let's consider a deeper aspect of our lives: the journey of aging. As we grow older, we often experience a decrease in physical strength. Once vigorous and resilient, our bodies start to show signs of wear. But this physical change is not just a decline; it’s a transition into a different phase of life that holds a profound spiritual truth.
In 2 Corinthians 4:16-17, Paul says, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly, we are being renewed day by day. Our light and momentary troubles are achieving an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” This passage beautifully captures the essence of our earthly journey. As our physical strength wanes, our spiritual strength can grow, deepening our faith and connection with God.
This process is akin to the drying up of Elijah's brook. As the physical sustenance diminished, Elijah was led to a new chapter of deeper faith and divine experiences. Similarly, as we age and face the limitations of our physical bodies, we are reminded to focus on the spiritual and eternal aspects of our existence.
The gradual decrease in physical strength and the challenges of aging can be seen as preparation for our ultimate hope and destination - heaven. In heaven, there is no pain, no aging, no loss. Revelation 21:4 says, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
As believers, we have this hope as an anchor for our souls, firm and secure (Hebrews 6:19). While our earthly bodies may weaken, our spirits can soar with the anticipation of the eternal joy and rest that await us in heaven.
Let’s embrace the changes in our lives, including aging, as part of God’s grand design. With each passing day, as our physical strength gives way, let our spiritual strength and hope in the glory of heaven grow stronger.
Conclusion
As we conclude our time together, let's reflect on the journey we've taken through Elijah's life. We've explored the courage to trust God in hard times, witnessed the surprising ways God provides, and understood the importance of stepping out of our comfort zones, especially as we face life's changes and grow older. These lessons from Elijah's life remind us that our faith journey is dynamic, filled with challenges, but also with profound growth and eternal hope.
