Reflection

"... Elijah was 'a man of like passions as we are,' but alas! We are not men of like prayer as he was! One praying man stands as a majority with God! Today God is bypassing men-not because they are too ignorant, but because they are too self-sufficient. Breathren, our abilities are our handicaps, and our talents our stumbling blocks!"

- Leonard Ravenhill

Elijah was a man "of like passion" as we. Yet how was he able to become a great prophet of God? Can you remember other characters in the bible with a more deplorable track-record? I could think of a few; Joseph's past when in his youthful ignorance boast about the vision of stars bowing to him.; Moses, the original doubting Thomas who sometimes tends to forget the Lord's command; Sansom, a judge of Israel with a weakness for women; Saul (later Paul) thought he knew a lot when he persecuted Christians; Simon Peter said he won't deny Jesus, but eventually did when Jesus was arrested. Despite their shortcomings, we remember them for their accomplishments. God used them to accomplished His purpose in times when they rely undeniably on God and not themselves. I came to realise this in a big big way. That God is ever so patient with us. Despite our weakness, He still uses us to display his Glory. He made it so evident to the world that on our own, we cannot accomplish anything that is of eternal value, but in Christ we can do all things!

In my own weaknesses, I've fallen so many times; I've tasted the bitterness of my folly. I commit myself to warn others never to commit the same mistake again by teaching them the Word of God. It is so easy to think we have "arrived". O what arrogance of the mind! What misery of the heart. What poverty of the spirit! I have nothing but ashes on my head and I prefer to roll in the dust rather than walk in streets of gold.

I do not want to live that way again. I've been greatly humbled by God's hands. I conceded that my trial may be a long one that I must endure. All this, as I found out, were sent to make me fix my eyes on Jesus. If I do not, I will surely fall away! As I deal with my set of struggles, I pray and I ask God to give me strength to live each day. I want to help others again, but before I do that I must help myself. I got to pray, I've got to rely totally on God! I won't take the easy road of compromise! I want God's success, His approval and His blessing. My trials here are nothing compared to what is install for me in Glory.

I rejoice in my pain, I rejoice in my shame

Through all my trials and temptations

I will not be afraid because You are with me

The Other Side of Glory