Preparing for Power Part 3Sample

Stand firm when the opportunity to compromise comes calling.

In this portion of 1 Kings 18, we see an interaction between Elijah and Obadiah. Obadiah is described as a God-fearing Israelite. He just doesn’t want everyone to know it. He both helps Ahab try and find water in a drought-stricken land, and hides prophets who have been threatened by Ahab’s wife, Jezebel. In the course of their conversation, Elijah lets Obadiah know it’s time to step out of hiding. He is part of God’s plan for Elijah to meet with Ahab.

Obadiah does not jump at the chance to help Elijah. Initially, he isn’t willing to come out as a follower of God, and feels that what he has already done is plenty.

“And he said, “How have I sinned, that you would give your servant into the hand of Ahab, to kill me? 10 As the Lord your God lives, there is no nation or kingdom where my lord has not sent to seek you. And when they would say, ‘He is not here,’ he would take an oath of the kingdom or nation, that they had not found you. 11 And now you say, ‘Go, tell your lord, “Behold, Elijah is here.”’ 12 And as soon as I have gone from you, the Spirit of the Lord will carry you I know not where. And so, when I come and tell Ahab and he cannot find you, he will kill me, although I your servant have feared the Lord from my youth. 13 Has it not been told my lord what I did when Jezebel killed the prophets of the Lord, how I hid a hundred men of the Lord's prophets by fifties in a cave and fed them with bread and water? 14 And now you say, ‘Go, tell your lord, “Behold, Elijah is here”’; and he will kill me.”

Obadiah is hoping his prior good works would be enough to keep himself in good favor with the Lord. He’s not willing to compromise his personal comfort by taking a risk and telling Ahab about Elijah.

The reality is, Obadiah is in good company. It can be a slippery slope when we start to justify what we are doing based on what we’ve already done. It can feel easier to fit into the world around than to stand out and be set apart. We are called for more than what is available in this fallen world. Let’s not compromise the everlasting promises of God for the lackluster pleasures of this world.

Ask Yourself:

-Do the people around you know that you love and follow Jesus?

-Do you rely on your past and the things you’ve done to carry you through seasons of drought in your faith journey?

-What is one area in your life in which you need to turn toward God and flee from the world’s way?

Pause to Pray: Father God, I confess that I don’t always love you like I should. I confess that sometimes (oftentimes) I choose things of the world over you. Father, please help me to love you and choose you in new ways.

Take a Next Step: Come up with one thing you can do this week to walk in step with God in a deeper way. It might be something like replacing an hour of TV time, with worship music and prayer. Whatever it is, look toward God and away from the world.