Seven Thousand

"Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him," ~ 1 Kings 19:18

Just a little while ago, God had worked so many wonders for Elijah. God rained down fire from heaven, while Baal could not. After years of drought, it had finally rained. God was working so mightily to bring about true worship in Israel. One would think that Elijah would be so excited to see God's continuous working, but one thing prevented him: a death warrant from Queen Jezebel. The prophet's life was in danger. Loosing all hope and courage, he fell to the ground and exclaimed, "It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!" Soon, he would be in the grave with his ancestors. Poor Elijah! So discouraged! So depressed! But God had not forgotten His servant. Twice, God sent an angel to wake Elijah up so he could eat. After waking up, Elijah still didn't seem to have recovered from his bought of depression. When God asked him what he was doing there, Elijah replied, "I have been very zealous for the Lord of Hosts... I alone am left and they seek to take my life. " He had worked so hard for God and now he was all alone. No one was left. Not even one. Or maybe there was. In a still small voice, God assured His weary prophet, "I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him," Elijah must have been shocked out of his mind! Here he was, thinking that he was all alone, but God had reserved SEVEN THOUSAND people! There were SEVEN THOUSAND people who had chosen to worship God. SEVEN THOUSAND who were ready to stand with Elijah. SEVEN THOUSAND who would not bow to Baal. SEVEN THOUSAND! But most importantly, he had all of heaven on his side. With God, he could face the world!

There have been times when we've all felt like Elijah. Times when we feel like we're all alone. We've fought so hard to stand for truth, but all to no avail. There may even have been some times when we've cried out to God and gotten no answer. But God has not forsaken you! He did not forget about Elijah, and He will not forget about you either. When we feel as if we're the only ones left, ask God to show you the BIG picture. Like Elijah, you just might realize that you're anything but alone. Friends and family are there to support you. People who you've almost forgotten about haven't forgotten about you. But best of all, GOD hasn't forgotten you! For He has promised, "I will NEVER leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5) With God on our side, we are never alone!