© 2018 Lynn Abbott
As you may have guessed by now, one of my favorite Old Testament saints is Elijah.
Indeed… My husband tells me there is a great deal of “Elijah” in me. But of course, he also thinks I’m a lot like L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables.
Go figure.
Yet, perhaps, my husband’s assessment offers an explanation for my tendency to return to Elijah’s story again and again.
And what I have discovered is that God’s Word reveals rich truth in the smallest details. Thus, I’ve recently found new aspects of grace in Elijah’s story.
In some respects, I think Elijah may have had a lot in common with Peter. Similarly, Elijah boldly stepped in where others feared to go. He spoke up. He didn’t let things slide…a man on a mission.
God’s Word reveals rich truth in the smallest details.
In fact, you never had to guess with Elijah. He was a straight shooter.
Yet, even the bold prophet felt the icy grip of fear on occasion.
After his showdown with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, Elijah fled for his life, (1 Kings 19:1-16). After all, Queen Jezebel sought to kill him in retribution for his judgment of the pagan prophets.
Besides the fact that Elijah needed rest, nourishment and encouragement from Abba, I found one aspect of the account particularly noteworthy: God not only supplied Elijah’s physical needs, but He also addressed Elijah’s emotional and spiritual needs including Elijah’s need for companionship.
Thus, God provided Elijah with everything he needed in order to once more step out boldly in faith and grace.
In fact, Abba spoke to Elijah in a “gentle blowing.” Yes, first and foremost, God reminded Elijah that he served a powerful yet merciful God.
And in the “gentle blowing,” Elijah found grace. God assured Elijah that he was not alone despite how he might feel. When the wind, the earthquake and the fire died, the Creator spoke gently.
First and foremost, God reminded Elijah that he served a powerful yet merciful God.
God was there all along. And He’s there beside us as well; yes, even when the noisy wind and rain rage.
Although it may seem that Jesus sleeps in the boat and shows little concern for danger, He is with me. Even if the waves surge and make it difficult to see the Savior walking on the water toward us, He is there.
In fact, He regularly whispers, “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand,”(Isaiah 41:10).
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go,” ~Joshua 1:9
Through Ink & Image 