God’s Hidden People
by Gemma Gardner
Elijah was distressed, afraid and depressed. He could see no future for himself, and he’d fled into the wilderness after receiving a death threat from Jezebel. He’d been used mightily by the Lord on Mount Carmel to show the people that the Lord was truly God, and Baal was just an idol. What’s more, he’d sought the Lord to bring rain on the land, and it had come! He’d been totally exhausted, but the Lord had sent an angel twice to give him food and drink.
Now, he’d arrived at Horeb, the Mountain of God, and the Lord met with him there. When the Lord asked him for the second time what he was doing there, Elijah replied again, “The people of Israel have broken their covenant with You, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” (1 Kings 19:14).
Elijah really believed he was alone. Do you feel alone as a Christian? Perhaps you’re the only believer in your workplace, or your home, and you’re longing for human comfort and the knowledge that there are others who share your same love for the Lord. You might even feel alone among other Christians in your church, and that no-one understands or cares for you.
Well, the Lord listened patiently to Elijah’s complaint, then re-commissioned him, as He had more work for him to do. Then, almost as an after-thought, the Lord gave him a big surprise. There were 7,000 in Israel who’d never bowed the knee to Baal or kissed him! These people were hidden from Elijah, but not from the Lord.
Maybe you’re not a church leader, and you don’t have contact with that many people. But the Lord sees you. He sees all you do, and your love for Him. Jesus noticed the poor widow in the temple putting her last coins into the treasury. He pointed her out to His disciples.
God notices you. The enemy notices, too, and he wants you to feel alone and isolated and unnoticed by others. Don’t let him drive you to despair. You’re precious, and the Lord has a work for you to do, just as He did for Elijah, and He has a purpose for your life.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I want to thank You for the tender way You dealt with Elijah in his despair. I thank You for the way You care about me, and that You’re interested in the tiniest details of my life. Thank You that no-one who loves You is ever hidden from Your sight. Please help me to know that You are the God of all comfort, and You see me and have a plan for my life. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Gemma Gardner lives in Norfolk with her husband, Dean, who until recently worked at Ellel Grange. They are both part of the Associate Ministry team which Gemma joined after completing the Modular school. Gemma has experienced the Lord`s healing and restoration over many years and longs to see Him healing other broken people. Gemma loves listening to music, cooking, knitting and crochet as well as outdoor exercise. She enjoys playing guitar and singing worship songs.
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