Like Elijah, do you ever feel as though you are the only one who is truly serving the Lord within your realm of influence? Are you the only voice of Biblical morality on your job? Do you have children who have strayed from God or a spouse who is not serving his or her purpose for His Kingdom? Do those closest to you struggle with addictions that pull them further and further from our Heavenly Father? Do you, yourself, ever feel unworthy of His love? Elijah experienced doubt and fear when he felt alone in his stance for God. Likewise, we can go through seasons of feeling isolated and lonely but keep standing firm because there is hope in Christ.

Talking to God in prayer was Elijah’s greatest weapon. He went to God with his concerns, his distraught feelings on full display, and God spoke in a gentle whisper, giving him clear directions.

Go to your Heavenly Father and lay it all before Him, even if it sounds like whining or complaining. But don’t stop there, LISTEN to His response as He prompts your heart. God will guide you and give you the strength you need to stand firm. Keep being a Christ-like example and lift everyone around you up to God in prayer. In Jeremiah 31:16-17, God says, “Do not weep any longer, for I will reward you. Your children will come back to you from the distant land of the enemy. There is hope for your future.” Claim this over your family and those with whom you have influence.

Querido Padre Celestial,

Thank you for your encouraging words today. Please give me the strength and wisdom to stand firm in all my ways as I stand on Your Word. May I be able to say as Paul did, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1). I give to you my spouse, children, co-workers, and all those within my sphere of influence, asking that you guide and direct them to a right relationship with You. Lead me in being an example to them through my daily actions and give me the wisdom to guide them with Your words as You prompt me to do so. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Who are you hoping to influence for the Kingdom of God? Make a list of those closest to you, and others whom God has laid on your heart, and pray over it daily. Claim Jeremiah 31:16-17 over each of them as you call them by name.