This past week, I got to be around lots of preachers and other Christians at Harding University Inspire Lectureship. Being with other ministers and discussing ministry is incredibly encouraging. We’re not all slapping each other on the back and saying, “Way to go! Keep up the good work!”
More often, we are discussing how the issues we are dealing with in our churches are not unique. The encouragement comes with the understanding that we are not in the fight alone, which is something that ministers are guilty of forgetting.
It reminds me of I Kings 19:10 when Elijah tells God,
…I have been very zealous for the Lord…and I alone am left…
In this case, the Lord corrects Elijah, and any follower of Christ today by extension, by explaining that He has many more in His service that Elijah isn’t aware of. That’s how the Christian life often is as well. It’s a common feeling to feel like we are alone, and that our struggles in following Jesus are unique.
But just as it is common to feel alone, all that it takes to be greatly encouraged is to talk with someone who has the same experience. The more you follow Jesus, the more isolated you will feel from others. Why? Because most people don’t follow Jesus at all and most Christians don’t follow Jesus passionately at the same time.
That’s why it’s so important in our Christian walk to walk with fellow Christians who share the same passion for following Jesus. Most people are limited in the opportunities they have to fellowship with like-minded followers, so we should all be diligent to take advantage of opportunities when they arise.
God didn’t create us to live our faith and follow Jesus alone, so don’t try to follow alone and understand what God taught Elijah in I Kings 19:18:
…I will leave 7,000 in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal…
Elijah wasn’t alone and neither are we.
Much love!
Wes LeFlore (918) 607-8489 or huskerwes1@gmail.com
