1 vs. 450

Doing what’s right isn’t always easy. There are times that standing up for God will mean standing alone against a mountain of opposition. The media of this country is often outraged by what the Bible teaches us is right, and has infected the minds of many against the truth. We know there will be immense pressure for us to change our ways if we stand up for what’s right. It would be much easier if we conceded, and accepted the status quo.

Elijah dealt with this way back in 1 Kings. At this time many of those in Israel had turned from God, and instead worshipped the Baal’s. Even those who did stay loyal to God not were unwilling to stand up and declare that God is Lord, for they feared how they might be persecuted. It caused Elijah to make this statement in 1 Kings 18:22:

“I alone am left a prophet of the Lord; for Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men.”

Elijah was alone, and yet He didn’t back down. Elijah was alone, but He remained steadfast. Elijah was alone, and yet He stood up for the Lord. Elijah did this because He understood the truth. There may have been 450 prophets of a false God opposing him, but He had one real God on His side. It may not have looked like it, but Elijah had the upper hand. That became clear when God consumed those false prophets later in the passage, and Elijah had a great victory.

If you are 1 vs. 450. 1 vs. 5, or 1 vs. a million you have the upper hand if you stand up for the Lord. Many people may say that it is wrong for us to claim that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the light, and one can only come to God through Him. Many may say it is wrong for us to claim only our religion is right. Many may say that it is old and outdated for us to think a person should wait until marriage to have sex. Many may call us fools for committing our lives to an ancient religion.

None of that matters. What many claim is nothing compared to what one God says. The many that oppose us have no power compared to the one God who is for us. Do not fear when they call you stupid, offensive, or wrong. Don’t hide in the shadows, and not let anyone know what it is you believe. Stand up for the truth as Elijah did, and know that God is with you. What God is with no one can stand against. What God has created no one can destroy. Stand alone if you must, but stand. God will always be on your side.