King Ahab has been searching for Elijah all this time. Elijah has been kept safe by the LORD, who now sends Elijah out. If Elijah was at all fearful to meet King Ahab, his boldness seems to cover that well.
Elijah encounters another believer in Obadiah. Obadiah wants his allegiance to be clear. Yet, he also reveals to us his own fearfulness to bring King Ahab the news of Elijah’s presence. He fears for his life. Is King Ahab really that ruthless?
The encounter between Obadiah and Elijah is interesting. Elijah is using a middle-man to make his where-abouts known. There’s an air of confidence in that approach, as if being “announced” infers more authority.
Where does Elijah’s confidence come from? At this point, we’re not sure Elijah knows how God is going to play out this scene. All Elijah knows is that God told him he would soon send rain. Soon? What does that even mean? Elijah confidence comes from trusting God so much!
How do we do at “trusting God” these days? God’s timing and our timing aren’t always in alignment. We tend to be a little too impatient. What we do know is that God’s wisdom is so much greater than ours, his timing must also be that much better. I’m sure you can think back to a time when you wanted one thing, but God granted something completely different. Different and so much better!
Why is it our brains or beliefs tend to limit our abilities or opportunities for experiences in life? When we learn more about how our brains work, we understand it is to “protect” us. That’s how our brains have evolved. Or maybe it’s because we listen to the world. It seems to be a pessimistic place these days.
Sometimes I hold back from opening my mouth for fear I’ll offend someone or say something the wrong way. Have you experienced something like that? It doesn’t seem right that we should fear having our own viewpoints. Sometimes I fear that being bold will be seen as inappropriate.
I don’t know how many years I went believing I was “stupid” and that what I had to say was not “valuable.” I’ve gained so much confidence over the years, yet it feels like we are all expected to employ filters or wear masks. Why? Obadiah and Elijah were clearly being transparent and speaking their minds.
We can trust God to reveal to us what’s best. There is a fine line between being helpful versus hurtful in dealing with others. As ambassadors of Christ, care must be taken. There are so many clues in God’s word for how to behave. We need to love God and love others as we love ourselves.
I could go on a rant about that. I always come back to this. God loves. God is love. “For this is how God loved the world: He gave[a] his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
Let’s pray …
Lord, thank you for the boldness and confidence you have given me to speak of my faith and allegiance to you. I want to be bold and ready to fight for what is right in this world, for the causes that matter to you. Prepare my heart to serve you in ways I may not feel ready for now. Shine through me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
