This is part three of a five part series answering “how do we prepare for end times?” If you haven’t read the previous parts of this series, I urge you to do so before reading this one. We’re taking the long way around to answering the question that made itself the running theme of this series, and to fully understand the context and where I’m coming from, I encourage you to start from the beginning.
As for those who have read up ’til now, thank you! I hope you enjoyed them, and I hope you’ll stick with me as we ponder my next point:
Am I the Only One Left?
We all may know that title is an exaggeration, but sometimes it is difficult not to feel discouraged and down from the bad news bombarding you from all sides as you go about your day. From viruses to elections to loneliness, it’s been a hard year these past twelve months, and it can be difficult to actively remember we’re not alone in our walk with God.
I have found myself feeling as if I’m one of very few who wants His will and His plan above my own, and it’s important to recognize that those feelings are selfish and a bit self-righteous. If it is indeed our Father who we are following, then we need to trust that He has the world in His hands and He is not letting us go. We need to remember that His eye is on the sparrow and He won’t leave us to fend for ourselves. We need to let our King do His work and not allow the World’s desires seep into our thoughts.
I myself use Elijah’s situation as encouragement, as he too felt utterly alone through his trials.
And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He said, “I have been very jealous for YHVH, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” And YHVH said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place. And the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael shall Jehu put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha put to death. Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”
— 1 Kings 19:12-18
YHVH did not forget Elijah, despite that Elijah felt as if he was truly the last obedient man alive. What did YHVH do, though? He gave Elijah a task to do, reminding him that He has a plan and a place for all this in the tapestry of time, and that it’s not going to unravel.
To forget that God has a plan can easily become our downfall, as we will begin to panic and drift off the path toward anything that promises peace or safety.
Trust in YHVH with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear YHVH, and turn away from evil.
It will be healing to your flesh
and refreshment to your bones.
— Proverbs 3:5-8
Read my next post here as a continuation to How do We Prepare for the End Times?
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