SEARCHLIGHT
Have you discovered your strength to live an unforgettable life?
SCRIPTURE
Now Elijah, the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except my word. 1 Kings 17:1 NIV
SPOTLIGHT
How would you like history to remember you with these words: “Few people have achieved more for the benefit of mankind.” That is how William Wilberforce, the great slave trade abolitionist is remembered. During his life he made some BIG accomplishments. However, it was not due to his personality or wealth but largely due to one factor.
Wilberforce lived from 1759 to 1833. He was small in stature but could eloquently speak. Someone said, “The shrimp grew and grew and became a whale.” Through his friendship with John Newton, who composed “Amazing Grace,” he was persuaded to dedicate his life to abolishing the slave trade in England. He believed this was God’s calling - free people from slavery. As a result, he became the champion of the slaves. Just before he died, slavery was abolished. In addition, he felt compelled to “evangelize” the British aristocracy. Passionately he shared his faith in Jesus Christ. He challenged them to become credible Christians.
What led him to achieve big accomplishments during his lifetime was his personal life-changing decision to become a devoted Christian. At first, William was just a church goer. He attended but was far from being a credible Christian. Church going had little meaningfulness for him. Then he became aware of his emptiness in living a rich man’s lifestyle. That led him to his “Amazing Grace” life change. He was a sinner who needed a Savior. God became real to him.
His life took on a divine purpose. He wrote, “A man who acts from the principles I profess reflects that he is to give an account of his political conduct at the Judgment Seat of Christ.”
In today’s Scripture focus we meet another man who unexpectedly made some BIG accomplishments. His name is Elijah. One of his significant achievements was to confront an evil king with the truth that there is only one God. This one verse gives us three clues to Elijah’s source of strength. If you embrace God like Elijah did, you too will lead an unforgettable life:
- Conviction #1 – I believe God is alive and is the only true God. Elijah’s name means “Jehovah is my God.” He told King Ahab right from the beginning that there is only one living God. If you want strength to do the unforgettable, you must confidently say, “There is only one living God… I know that my redeemer lives!” [Job 19:25] All of the resurrection witnesses of Jesus Christ knew it. Jesus Christ is the only living God.
- Conviction #2 – I believe God is with me. Elijah told King Ahab he served the living God. Elijah used the word “serve.” It can mean both standing and serving. Elijah knew he was standing in the presence of an earthly king, but he was more conscious of the presence of Almighty God, who is the king of the universe. If you want strength to do the impossible, you must cultivate being in God’s presence. Recognize God is with you. He is not somewhere out in space. God is with you!
- Conviction #3 – I believe God has chosen me. Remember that the word “serve” that Elijah used, communicates both standing in God’s presence and serving God. Elijah believed he had been chosen by God to be His servant and messenger. Elijah believed he was speaking God’s message. It was not his message. It was the message of the Almighty God. If you want strength to do the unbelievable, you must know that God wants to choose you. Allow God to speak a word into your spirit. As Peter wrote, come to realize “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” [1 Peter 2:9]
God is always at work. He is looking for people who are willing to achieve big accomplishments. Age does not matter. God calls both young and old. Neither is stature important. When the world is at its worst, God is never at a loss. Where there is a need God will find someone to meet it. Maybe your city is overwhelmed with crime, murder and drugs. God is working His plan. He is shaping someone to become a Godly person who will make big accomplishments. God is looking for someone like you to do the unforgettable.
Right now, God is preparing what appears to be ordinary people to do some extraordinary things for His honor and glory. Will you invite God to work in your life to achieve BIG
accomplishments? Will you commit yourself to discovering the strength of Elijah so that you can live an unforgettable life? Will you embrace the three convictions that Elijah held?
SOMETHING TO DO
Here are some BIG accomplishments that you could begin today and make in your lifetime:
- Share with people about your personal life-changing faith in Jesus Christ.
- Pray for people who need miracles.
- Ask God to financially bless you so that you can give money to needy people.
- Commit yourself to a career that causes you to influence many people to know Jesus Christ.
- Raise a Godly family to influence the next generation.
- Lead a Bible study and mentor young believers to become strong believers.
- Use your retirement years to serve people in need.
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Lord Jesus Christ, I want to embrace You the way Elijah did. I believe You alone are God. I believe You are with me. I believe You have chosen me to do the unforgettable for Your honor. Not for my benefit but for Your glory. Now make my life count! AMEN