Now Elijah… said to Ahab, “As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand….”
–1 Kings 17:1
I love how Elijah introduced himself to Ahab, king of Israel. His words ring with utter conviction, saying, “My God lives!”
This was a bold way to address a wicked king who, with his wife Jezebel and the prophets of Baal, assumed that God was dead, embalmed, and buried.
But the prophet Elijah knew that God was alive and well!
And this important detail separates the Christian faith from all the false religions of the world. Our God lives! We do not practice a dead religion. Our God is not made of clay, hewn stone, or even gold. He is the Creator of all! He is the God who hears, sees, and speaks!
Elijah could stand firm in his faith because he made a practice of standing before God. Bolstered by that reality, he could stand before a dangerously wicked king, not in his own strength, but in the presence and power of the living God.
At times, you may feel like you are the only one serving God. Your friends may be giving in to idolatry that poses as a cultural norm. And it may be difficult to stand, but keep standing.
This is your calling in Christ Jesus. It’s your role in bringing revival to your generation. Your Savior lives! And he will give you the strength to stand.
YOU HAVE A ROLE IN BRINGING REVIVAL TO YOUR GENERATION.
