Today

Read: 1 Kings 18:1-15

In today’s reading, we get a little peek into the story of Elijah.  If you don’t know his story, he was a man of great courage.  God had put a calling on his life, and it wasn’t an easy one.

First, let me introduce you to Ahab, King of Israel.  He and his wife, Jezebel, reigned over Israel for 22 years.  He is described as doing “more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of those before him.”  And Elijah?  He was called to confront this evil King and his wife Jezebel.

Elijah had already told King Ahab that because of his evil, God would bring a famine on the land.  The famine happened just as Elijah had said.  But famine that was meant to turn Ahab from his evil ways, instead caused Ahab to HATE Elijah.  In his hardness of heart, Ahab hated the messenger who was sent to tell him the truth and offer him a way back.  

That’s where we pick up the story of Elijah in today’s reading.  King Ahab and his wife Jezebel have been killing all the Lord’s prophets, all those who dare to confront him with the truth of his evil ways. Yet God again appears to Elijah to tell him to appear before King Ahab.  Despite the fear, although his friend and fellow believer was shuttering in his boots, Elijah confidently says, “As the Lord Almighty lives, whom I serve, I will surely present myself to Ahab today.”

Did you notice that God only told Elijah what he wanted him to do TODAY?  He didn’t tell him how things were going to turn out. He did not reveal to him the ups and down his life was going to take as a result of doing what He asked him to.  Elijah only had to trust God for what he put in front of him that day.   

Are you facing some challenges in your life?  Do you have a lot of unanswered questions about how things are going to turn out?  Are you thinking, “If only I knew how this would all play out, then I would have peace.  Then I would trust.”

Perhaps if Elijah had known what was still ahead of him, he might have been LESS courageous.  He might have said, “I didn’t sign up for this!” Or “I am not strong enough to handle what lies ahead.”

God in his grace only reveals to us one step of our walk at a time.  He says, “My child, trust me for today.  I will give you the strength you need.  And when tomorrow comes, I will be there too.”

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”  Matthew 6:33-34

Thank you, Lord, that in Your grace, You have told me that I can trust you today, no matter what I am facing.  Grant me the willingness to trust You with all the unknowns of tomorrow.