Underestimating God by David Jeremiah

Tuesday, July 24 Underestimating God    I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal. 1 Kings 19:18    Elijah underestimated God by 7,000 percent.  After his confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel in 1 Kings 18, Elijah fled into the wilderness where he collapsed in exhaustion and discouragement. He told the Lord, “I alone am left.” He thought Ahab and Jezebel had killed off every righteous person in Israel; and Elijah, in despair, asked God to take his life too. Instead the Lord gave him some food and water, made sure he got rest and sleep, provided an assistant, and sent him off on a new assignment. He also told him, in effect, “By the way, Elijah. That statement about being the only one left…. You’re wrong about that. I have 7,000 followers in Israel. You are mistaken by 6,999.”

Recommended Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Whenever we grow discouraged, it can mean we are underestimating God. He has operations going of which we know little. He has plans that don’t depend on our view of things. Sometimes we need some good nourishment, a little sleep, a faithful friend, and a new assignment. Don’t give up. God’s plan is right on schedule. Should we feel at times disheartened and discouraged, a simple movement of heart toward God will renew our powers. Francois Fenelon