FAITH: Comes by Hearing the Word of God
Romans 11:2–4: God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying, “Lord, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life”? But what does the divine response say to him? “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”
FAITH: Comes by Studying the Word of God
Elijah had withstood the prophets of Baal, then outran Ahab’s chariot to Jezreel—a distance of eighteen miles (he must have been some jogger!). By the end of the day he was absolutely worn-out, even in the flush of victory. Hearing that Jezebel wanted him dead, he fled for his life, finding a place in the wilderness where he cast himself down and said, “Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars; I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me.” “And what was God’s answer to him? ‘I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal.’” Paul perhaps felt a special kinship with Elijah, feeling as if he were the only one left. 1
FAITH: Comes by Obeying the Word of God
“Known to God from eternity are all His works. Acts 15:18
Life is a battle. In the battle, you will experience His victories and you will experience personal discouragements. Unfortunately, fear can overtake you. Fear can diminish all that God has done and is doing for you. It can make you run away and hide. But God wants you to know that you are not alone. He has many others at work for Him.
FAITH: Comes by Experiencing the Transforming Work of God
When you are so very discouraged, He is so very near to you. Look up.
FAITH: Comes by Praying with the Word of God
“…Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep…” John 4:11
Dear Father, it is when I have nothing to offer that You become my everything. Amen.
1. Hughes, R. K. (1991). Romans: righteousness from heaven (p. 194). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
