I, EVEN I ONLY, AM LEFT

A Response to "I, Even I Only, Am Left"

The Great Victory and the Sudden Fear

After a great victory of slaughtering the prophets of Baal—450 of them—Elijah fled for his life. He had just witnessed the power of God in a spectacular display, calling down fire from heaven and defeating the forces of idolatry. Yet, when Queen Jezebel threatened his life, he ran. The mighty prophet of God became a fugitive, overwhelmed by fear and despair. This is so like us sometimes. With the mighty acts of God being displayed, we even lose faith in Him when the unexpected comes. We have seen His power, tasted His goodness, and experienced His deliverance. Yet one threat, one setback, one unexpected blow, and we are shaken to the core. We forget what God has done and become consumed by what we fear.

God Cares for Our Immediate Needs

In the midst of Elijah's despair, the angel of the Lord came to him and baked some bread on stones and brought a jar of water for him. When you are down flat, discouraged, and fed up with everything around you, God still cares for your immediate needs. He does not despise your weakness. He does not abandon you in your discouragement. He meets you where you are and provides for your basic needs. He does not demand that you be strong before He helps you; He strengthens you so that you can go on. The bread and water were not just physical nourishment; they were a reminder that God sees you, knows your struggle, and has not forgotten you.

"What Are You Doing Here, Elijah?"

God asked Elijah a penetrating question: "What are you doing here, Elijah?" Elijah was not where he was supposed to be. He was hiding in a cave, fleeing from a threat that had not yet materialized. In such a desperate time, you may not be in the right place at the right time. The decisions you make are usually clouded by your fears of things that may not even happen at all. Fear distorts our perspective. It causes us to run when we should stand, to hide when we should speak, and to retreat when we should advance. God's question was not an accusation; it was an invitation to examine his heart, to recognize his misstep, and to return to his assignment.

The Renewal of Purpose

Then the Lord told Elijah, "Go back the same way you came, and travel to the wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive there, anoint Hazael to be king of Aram. Then anoint Jehu grandson of Nimshi to be king of Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from the town of Abel-meholah to replace you as my prophet." It is not a coincidence that at such a time like this, you would receive your restoration, your revival, and your renewal of the purpose God has called you for. God did not discard Elijah because of his fear. He did not replace him because of his failure. He renewed his calling. He gave him a new assignment. He restored his purpose. When you are at your lowest, God is not finished with you. He is preparing to lift you up.

The 7,000 Who Had Not Bowed

God also revealed something to Elijah that he had not known: "Yet I will preserve 7,000 others in Israel who have never bowed down to Baal or kissed him!" Sometimes, we think we are the only ones left to do the job. We pride ourselves as the indispensables. We think others are not doing it. But we are wrong. God always has a remnant. He always has others who are faithful, even when we do not see them. Elijah was not the only one; there were 7,000 others. His narrow perspective had blinded him to the reality of God's work. He thought he was alone, but God had preserved a people for Himself.

A Narrow Mindset

We must be careful not to have a narrow mindset, especially in the Kingdom of God. God has many people doing His will. He has assigned them to places where He wants them to be and to do what He wants them to do. We cannot see and know everything. We are limited in our perspective. We often judge by what we see, but God sees the whole picture. He is working in ways we do not perceive. He is raising up people we do not know. He is doing things in places we cannot see. One thing for sure is that He will always watch over His people in respect of His perfect will. We are not alone. We are not the only ones. God is at work, and He will accomplish His purposes.

Final Reflection

I, even I only, am left. This is the cry of a discouraged heart. But it is not the truth. God always has a remnant. God is always at work. God has others who are faithful, even when we cannot see them. Do not let fear narrow your perspective. Do not let discouragement blind you to the work of God. Go back to your assignment. Receive your restoration. And remember that you are not alone. God has 7,000 others, and He is watching over all of them.

Prayer for Renewed Perspective

Lord, forgive me for the times I have thought I was alone. Forgive me for the narrow perspective that has blinded me to Your work. Renew my purpose and restore my calling. Help me to see that You always have a remnant. Help me to trust that You are at work even when I cannot see it. I release my fears and receive Your strength. I will go back to my assignment and fulfill what You have called me to do. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.