A Unique Spokesperson: A Lesson From the Life of Elijah
by Charles R. Swindoll

God's methods are often surprising. God did not raise up an army to destroy Ahab and Jezebel (1 Kings 16:29-34). Neither did He send some scintillating prince to argue His case or try to impress their royal majesties. Instead, God did the unimaginable - He chose somebody like . . . well, like Elijah (1 Kings 17:1).

Are you thinking right now that somebody else is better qualified for that short-term mission assignment? For that leadership training group? For that community service?

Are you a wife and homemaker who feels that your contribution to God's service is not noteworthy? Do you see other people as special or called or talented?

You may be missing an opportunity that is right there in front of you. You may be in the very midst of a ministry and not even realize it. (What greater ministry can there be, for example, than that of a faithful wife and loving mother?) Your ministry may be to just two or three people. Don't discount that. God's methods are often surprising.

When we're standing alone in the gap, ultimately, we're standing before God. When the call comes, will God find us ready and willing to stand for Him? Will He find in us hearts that are completely His? Will He be able to say, "Ah, yes, there's a heart that is completely Mine. Yes, there's sufficient commitment there for Me to use that life with an Ahab. That's the kind of disciplined devotion I'm looking for."

No matter what role you fill in life, you're not unimportant when it comes to standing alone for truth.

What spot has God given you? Whatever it is, God says, "You're standing before Me, and I want to use you. I want to use you as My unique spokesperson in your day and age, at this moment and time."

Elijah, this gaunt, rugged figure striding out of nowhere, suddenly stepping into the pages of history, is a clear witness of the value of one life completely committed to God. An unknown man from a backwater place, he was called to stand against evil in the most turbulent and violent and decadent of times.

Look around. The need is still great, and God is still searching.

Adapted from Charles R. Swindoll, "A Unique Spokesperson," in Great Days with the Great Lives (Nashville: W Publishing, 2005), 154. Copyright © 2005 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Friday, August 15, 2008