Authors note: I wrote this article several months ago while studying the life of Elijah. As you’ll read, I primarily wrote it for the person, pastor, or church, who was dealing with the ever-present issue of those who have discarded what they once believed, or those who disregard Bible-believing Christians as ignorant or deceived. 

Today reminding the reader of the principle of being comforted by God’s presence is even more needed than when I originally wrote the article. Many people throughout the country are isolated at home because of the COVID-19 Pandemic and the majority of churches cannot meet together in one physical location. I have no doubt that many people feel utterly alone  and are looking for a ray of hope. I’m sure you know it intellectually, but maybe reading about God’s promises to never leave you will help you through these difficult days. 

With that in mind, please enjoy and be encouraged by this article. 

One of my favorite people to read about in the Bible is the Old Testament prophet Elijah. I like to think I relate to Elijah so much because of his bold delivery, his faith in God, or the many great things he saw the Lord do in his life. In reality, though, I probably relate with Elijah because the Bible shows us so much about his humanity and flaws.

In 1 Kings 19 we see what is probably the darkest chapter of Elijah’s life. He had, through the Lord’s power, defeated the prophets of the false god Baal. Israel’s faith in the One True God has been restored. Ahab and Jezebel, the wicked and idolatrous King and Queen, were on their laurels reeling from a sound defeat.

After all of this (and more I haven’t mentioned), Elijah is by himself in the wilderness. He is in the midst of what some might call a mental breakdown and was certainly in the grip of deep depression. Even though he has seen God do amazing things in the past few years, Elijah was as low as anyone could be.

After a period of solitude the Lord comes to Elijah to comfort him and prepare him for what is to come. In the course of Elijah’s conversation with God we see a big problem he had. Through all the prophesying and calling out the Prophets of Baal, Elijah thought he was alone in serving God and living for Him.

At the end of the conversation God does two things for Elijah. First, God tells him about Elisha, a young man who will be his sidekick and successor. Next, God tells Elijah that there were not one or two others who were serving God; there were 7,000 in Israel who had not bowed down to Baal. While Elijah had seemed like he was alone, in reality there was a great number of people throughout the kingdom who were just as faithful to God as he was.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve definitely been through the same battle that Elijah is facing. I’ve never seen God do the type of miracles that Elijah experienced, but I’ve been in a low place wondering if there is anyone out there who believed like I do.

According to the Hartford Institute for Religious Research, 94% of churches in the United States have an average attendance of less than 500. If I had to guess I would say that an even higher percentage of Independent Baptist churches have an attendance of less than 500. With that in mind there is no wonder that sometimes we feel alone.

We look around at our church and there may not be a big crowd there. As we drive through town we see churches that do not resemble ours in doctrine or practice. Even among Independent Baptist churches we see some moving further toward ecumenicalism and new evangelical methods and philosophies.

And if all of that weren’t enough, it would appear that the majority (or at least the vocal minority) of people in our country disagree with us regarding morality and decency. They don’t hold the same values and are very adamantly opposed to our values.

In the face of all of these things it is easy to feel alone. Like everyone else has gone down a different path and we are trudging on by ourselves. Sometimes we even may wonder if it is worth fighting for old principles that others have abandoned.

Just like Elijah, though, we are wrong. We aren’t the only Bible-believing church left. Not every group has sold out to cultural pressure. All voters haven’t been turned away to ungodly principles. There are plenty of people, churches, and pastors, who are staying true to the Lord and to biblical principles, even if they don’t cross every t and dot every i like we do.

When going through an exceptionally difficult stretch it may be beneficial to find others who also are committed to keeping with the same principles you uphold. That’s what God did for Elijah, He introduced him to Elisha, a friend and co-laborer he could count on.

What is most beneficial, though, is remembering that the Lord is with us always. One of the last things the Lord Jesus Christ told the Apostles was “…lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20b. The writer of Hebrews quotes some of the last words of Moses as he gives a promise from the Lord to Joshua and the Children of Israel “…I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5b.

Even if every other person forsakes us, if every other church or pastor turns their back on the word of God, if voters affirm ungodly leaders and policies, God will never leave us. He will never fail us. He is still true. His Word is still valid.

Whatever difficult battle you find yourself in, remember that God is with you. He has promised to always be with those of us who know Christ as Saviour. You are not alone.

“Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.” 1 Kings 19:18