THE CALLED: Life Lessons from Elijah

Called! Its amazing to think that the Creator of the Universe would call anyone but especially someone like us. If he called someone they would have to be amazing and anything other than average. James, the brother of Jesus, wrote in a letter that "Elijah was a man just like us.” It is hard for us to believe that we could be like Elijah when we are exposed to the dramatic events of his story. Paul, the converted persecutor of the Church, wrote in his letter to the Romans that “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” God has something to teach us from every story in the Old Testament, including the stories recorded about Elijah. Though he lived some 3000 years ago, his life speaks to us with contemporary power. As we study the story of Elijah we’re going to see that … Elijah experienced great hardships in life. Therefore his story speaks to those who are facing serious hardships. Elijah experienced anxiety and despair. Therefore his story speaks to those who are experiencing anxious moments and despair from difficult circumstances. Elijah experienced great isolation and loneliness. Therefore his story speaks to those who feel all alone. Elijah, at times, felt quite helpless and weak. Therefore his story speaks to those who feel worn out in the struggles of pursing a life honoring to God. Elijah also experienced failure and unbelief. Therefore, his story speaks to those who feel like failures and those who cry out to God even in the midst of struggling to believe. Elijah was used powerfully by God. Therefore, his story speaks to those who desire to live a life that counts spiritually. Elijah stood strong for God in a time where there was lots of opposition towards him. Therefore, his story speaks to those who want to stand strong for God in our world today. While God acted powerfully and preformed mighty acts through Elijah in his life they were not due to Elijah's goodness and power but God's greatness and might. Elijah by entering into the struggle to live a life of persevering faith and dependence on God's grace, power and presence, was enabled to confront bad leaders, display God's glory and truth and bring the wayward, wandering and weary back to the God who longed to provide comfort and rest to them. God longs to do this with us as well. So what if God was calling you? What would you say? What would you be willing to do?