Overwhelming Odds

There is a plethora of articles, blogs and media that talk about the ills of society. In many instances, they actually praise evil, and those who participate in it. If you focus on all those reports, you might think society is going to hell in a handbasket, and there’s nothing any of us can do about it. That is one of the bluffs of the enemy. “What are going to do about it, Christian? There’s nothing you can do to stop it.”

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Have you ever asked yourself that question? “What can I do to make any difference?” When you immerse yourself with all the negativity, you are actually doing the opposite of renewing your mind. You are programing it to doubt the Word of God; in fact, you might even go so far as to doubt God, Himself. Stating the obvious, the more you immerse yourself in worldly thinking, the more you think like the world. In so doing, you may find yourself buying into the devil’s lie.

There is truly nothing new under the sun. We are not the only ones who felt outnumbered. There are number of examples in the Bible, such as King David for one. Don’t forget the disciples hid themselves out of fear after the Crucifixion. That changed after their encounter with Jesus after His Resurrection, and when they were baptized with Holy Spirit. That particular minority changed the world. Let’s examine another example of one facing overwhelming odds: the prophet, Elijah. Before we do, remember this:

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4).

Feeling Outnumbered

The majority is not necessarily the majority, even when it’s a million to one. Some like to say, “God and me make a majority,” and to a degree that’s true; however, God does not need anyone else to make up The Majority. He is the Majority, regardless of the numbers.

On one hand, as the Body of Christ, we are to walk in unity, and as such, work together. Nonetheless, there are times when the Lord calls an individual to do an “impossible task” with no help from others. In such cases, it leaves no room for doubt God deserves the glory when it is complete. Elijah had a number of instances when he was the sole protagonist. As a suggestion, read his story, especially since only a few Scripture passages will be used here (see 1 Kings 17:1 – 2 Kings 2:25).

God sent Elijah to king Ahab who did evil in the sight of the Lord. He and his wife, Jezebel, led Israel into idolatry. This included worshipping Baal. In their first encounter, Elijah declared to Ahab, “As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before Whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word” (1 Kings 17:1). It did not rain for three years, after which, Elijah was sent to him again. This meeting included a showdown with 450 prophets of Baal.

1 Kings 18:22-24 Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the LORD; but Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men. Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: And call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD: and the God that answereth by fire, let Him be God (He is God, NASB). And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken.

As we know God shows up, after which Elijah slew the 450, and rain returned to the land (see 1 Kings 18:17-46).  After hearing the news, Jezebel threatened to kill Elijah, who fled for his life when he heard of it. After 40 days, the Word of the Lord came to him as he hid in a cave (see 1 Kings 18:9). He said so him, “What are you doing here Elijah?”

Elijah responded, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain Thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away” (1 Kings 19:10).

Does this setting look familiar? A nation goes rogue, and those who stand for God are vastly outnumbered. When they take a stand, their livelihood is threatened -perhaps, even their very lives. They feel isolated and, ready to throw in the towel. “The end is near!”

Join The Majority

How did God respond to Elijah? He put him on the offensive. He gave him a number of tasks to complete, which would turn things around in the end. One specific thing the Lord said was, “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).

Another obvious statement is we’re never truly alone. God is with us, and He has others standing in the gap. By communing with Him, you join the Majority. It sounds like an oxymoron when comparing numbers. In the very end, it is the few who remain. This bears repeating: we’re not home yet.

Here’s another takeaway: if we the few will listen to Holy Spirit, we will gain the instruction and direction needed for a time such as this. As individuals, each of us can influence our segment of society, which has a ripple effect. When everyone does their part, they all coalesce and impact society as a whole. It’s the leaven affect.

Matthew 13:33 Another parable spake He unto them; The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.

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