Do you feel like you are about to be crushed? In our humanness, we can feel fragile. And we know that our bodies can be destroyed. However, what about our faith? What is God’s intention for our faith, and who is responsible for the growth and strength of that faith?
Paul recognized the battle. In 2 Corinthians 4:7-9, he writes, “We are like common clay jars that carry this glorious treasure within, so that this immeasurable power will be seen as God’s not ours. Though we experience every kind of pressure, we are not crushed. At times we do not know what to do, but quitting is not an option. We are persecuted by others, but God has not forsaken us. We may be knocked down, but not out.”
As Holy Spirit directed, Paul penned that our common and fragile bodies were recognized along with the priceless treasure that resides within each one who has accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and has been filled with the Holy Spirit. Because of what is in us, we become impossible to crush. However, we can feel like we are being pressured and the feelings can become a challenge. Feelings are a gift from God; however, any time we allow our feelings to carry more weight than the promises of God, we are on shaky ground.
In 1 Kings 18, we have Elijah, standing alone, to battle the prophets of Baal. Did you notice I said standing alone? We focus on the prophets of Baal who were about to be defeated. However, think about the crowd gathering watching this tug-of-war between God, the Creator of the universe, and an idol? All those watching had allowed their feelings to dictate their belief systems. Elijah was the only one, at that moment, who stood apart from the crowd.
Elijah did not have a written contract from God saying that God would show up and light the fire. All Elijah had was a history of God’s faithfulness, which was enough for him. With that strength, He put everything on the line for God. I cannot imagine it was comfortable standing there with all the people watching, undecided or unwilling to stand with him. Elijah knew that there was no compromise.
Elijah held the tug-of-war rope in his hand. The prophets of Baal grabbed onto the other side. In a moment, God lit the fire, and the prophets of Baal were pulled into the preverbal pit.
We must all choose this day who we will serve. There is a tug of war going on for your soul. Will you stand alone if necessary? If so, you have a promise from God that you will not be crushed. Remember, for a child of God, quitting is not an option!
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