First, I want to say that my readings/writings may be sporadic between Dec 21 and Jan 1 due to scheduling and holidays. Thank you in advance for your understanding.
Today I read 1 Kings 17. This chapter introduces Elijah, a prophet who tells the wicked king of Israel, Ahab, that God will only send rain as He pleases, and there will be a drought. God then commands Elijah to go into hiding, where a series of miracles ensue.
“Then [Elijah]… cried out to the Lord, ‘Lord my God, let this boy’s life return to him!’ The Lord heard Elijah’s cry, and the boy’s life returned to him, and he lived. Elijah picked up the child and carried him down from the room into the house. He gave him to his mother and said, ‘Look, your son is alive!’ Then the woman said to Elijah, ‘Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the Lord from your mouth is the truth.’ ” (v21-24 abr)
Elijah stays with a widow and her son who are quite poor, having only a handful of flour in a jar, and a little oil in a jug. Elijah tells her that if she boards him the flour and oil will not run out until the drought ends. While staying there, the son dies, and God restores his life because of Elijah’s prayer.
What got my attention was the widow’s response: ” ‘Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the Lord from your mouth is the truth.’ ” Apparently she didn’t believe him before, even when the flour and oil didn’t run out.
I think it’s okay to be a ‘doubting Thomas’ (see Jn 20:24-29), or ‘doubting widow’. God still pours out His lovingkindness and generosity upon us, and cares just as deeply for us as those who immediately believed with little proof. It’s okay to be among the ‘multiple miracle club’ members who need to see more than one evidence of God before we decide to follow Him.
An important thing to note is this: we eventually do believe. Another important thing to remember is this: others may also need multiple exposures to God before they believe. If you’re anything like me, you have at least one person in your life who will not yet accept Jesus as their savior. I encourage us to not give up on them, because they might not have seen that final glimpse of God to tip the scale of belief.
Let’s pray fervently for our loved ones and enemies, that they would soon see what they need in so they may believe. Also, if God is prompting you to minister to that person, do not hesitate, for He may reach out to them through you.
Father God, our glorious Lord and King, would You please be the light in this dark world. Father as we submit to You, however long that takes, would You please be a light in our lives that shines on those who still live in darkness. May those who still live in darkness become intrigued by the light, and learn to seek You as we do. To You be all honor, power, glory, praise and thanksgiving, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training