It was an odd turn of events.
Elijah just stood on Mt. Carmel sarcastically mocking and taunting the prophets of Baal. “Maybe he’s tired and needs a nap.” “Maybe he got hungry and went to McD’s.”
When it was his turn, for dramatic effect, he doused his altar with gallons of water.
Then he prayed and waited to see what God would do.
Soon fire came from Heaven and burned up the wood, the altar, and all the water around it.
The battle was over! God had won!
The people fell prostrate before God and cried, “The Lord—he is God! The Lord—he is God!”
Then at Elijah’s command, they seized the prophets of Baal and slaughtered them.
And then it rained…after three long years, God responded to the people’s repentance by ending the drought.
You’d think at this point Elijah would be taking a victory lap, hands raised in the air as the Rocky theme song played in the background. (Give me a break, I’ve been traveling with men’s ministry this month.)
Instead, we find our hero hiding in a cave in Horeb, belting out a chorus of Celine Dion’s “All By Myself….”
What happened?
Well, there are a couple of contributing factors, including exhaustion. In 1 Kings 19, God recognized that Elijah needed to rest and refuel.
However, another big problem was that Elijah believed that he was all alone. We know this because he expressed this sentiment first on Mt. Carmel.
Then Elijah said to them, “I am the only one of the Lord’s prophets left, but Baal has four hundred and fifty prophets.” (1 Kings 18:22)
Later, he repeated the sentiment with God not once but TWICE. First, when God came to him in the cave:
And the word of the Lord came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” (1 Kings 19:9-10)
Even after God revealed Himself to Elijah in a still, small voice, Elijah was still second verse same as the first:
Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” (1 Kings 19:13-14)
Elijah was really stuck on this idea that he was the only one left in the whole country who was still serving the True God.
It’s easy to see why he felt this way—he’d been in seclusion for years as idol worship dominated the country. Then, when he challenged the king and the prophets of Baal to a showdown, not one person came and stood beside him. No one in the crowd yelled, “We’re behind you, Elijah!” At this crucial moment, God allowed Elijah to stand all alone.
Here’s the thing: there are still times today when God asks His men and women to be the only ones to stand for truth.
Whether it be in your home, in your neighborhood, at your job, maybe even in your church, there may be times when you are the only person willing to stand up, speak the truth, face the potential consequences and say, “This isn’t right. I am following Biblical truth.”
Would it be easier if there was a crowd to back you up?
Absolutely!
But that doesn’t always happen. Sometimes God allows His people to stand alone.
However, an important truth we must remember is that just because God asks you to stand alone in a situation doesn’t mean you are the only one standing.
Just as in the days of Elijah, there are myriads of believers all around the world who are doing the same thing in their own sphere of influence.
When these lies attack us saying, “No one else cares about this issue…you’re the only one left who standing for truth…Your church is the only one still fighting the good fight of faith…You’re the only single woman still committed to purity…You’re the only parent determined to raise their children by Biblical standards…You’re the only one not participating in sinful activities…You’re the only one who even cares anymore…”
We need to remember the words that God spoke to Elijah in 1 Kings 19:18, “Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.”
You are not alone!!!
Peter said it this way, “Resist him (the devil), standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” (1 Peter 5:9)
All around the world, God still has a remnant of people whose hearts are wholeheartedly devoted to Him. They aren’t perfect, but they have dedicated their lives to living for Jesus and living by Biblical principles. They are not bowing to the culture. They are not bending to false theology or compromising with sin.
We don’t often hear their stories because they take private stands that affect their families or communities. They don’t make headlines, but they still stand for truth and righteousness, just like Elijah.
You are not alone!!
Just like in Elijah’s day God has His people set apart for Himself. There are still many who haven’t bowed to the culture's gods. They are still fighting the good fight, standing on God’s Word and doing all they cannot win their corner of the world for Jesus.
You are not alone! There are many going through the same trials you are. I am honored to know some of them, and there are many more.
Be encouraged! No matter what the enemy is whispering in your ear—you’re not alone. You’re part of a mighty army, and God still has His remnant whose hearts are fully devoted to Him.
Let this truth fuel you to keep standing, keep refusing to bow or bend to the culture, continue resisting the temptation to compromise. Keep following the example of Elijah and stand for truth, knowing that many around the world are standing with you.
Adessa Holden is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God specializing in Women's Ministry. Together with her brother, Jamie, they manage 4One Ministries and travel the East Coast speaking, holding conferences, and producing Men's and Women's resources that provide practical Biblical teaching for everyday life.
When asked about herself, she'll tell you "I'm a women's minister, a sister, and a daughter. I love to laugh and spend time with people. My favorite things are chocolate, the ocean, sandals and white capris, anything purple, summertime and riding in the car listening to music. It is my absolute honor and privilege to serve Jesus and women through this ministry.
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