Romans Chapter 11: Verses 4-6 (NIV)
And what was God’s answer to him? “I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.
John Chapter 16: verse 33 (NIV)
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Christians in the current climate may feel that they are very much in the minority, at least in the west. But we are not alone. And it’s not because we are super spiritual; its only because of God’s grace. In one sense that takes the pressure off us. We don’t need to struggle and strive to do anything. God will do all that He needs to do through us. All He asks for is a willing heart and total obedience. And that is achievable by all of us. We can be disheartened as Paul reminded the Roman Church had happened to Elijah. He thought that he was the only one left who still held on the ways of God.
We need to remember not to always look inward at our own circumstances and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. That way we are kept from despair. Paul tells us that God reminded Elijah that He knew exactly what He is doing. He has not changed. Jesus has told us that although we will have trouble, we need not fear. We can indeed take heart that He has overcome the world. We need no other reassurance than that.
Dear Lord,
Sometimes I do look at how things seem to be going in the world and feel sad that we have wandered so far from the way that You have made for us. Thank You for reminding me today that by Your grace You are still at work and I don’t need to worry about it. Help me to walk with confidence in that grace and keeping my eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith. I ask in Jesus’ precious name. Amen.