In Spite of Failure

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last” (John 15:16).

The biblical prophet Elijah fascinates me. He did not mince words. He told his king regularly what he thought about him, and it was always bad. Elijah was frequently involved in arguments with the queen also. She hated him to the point of attempting to murder him.

Elijah was willing to take huge risks for God. He was willing to stand alone for what he believed. He was also very human, and subject to depression.

One interesting event in Elijah’s life stands out to me, because it illustrates in a unique way the tremendous love God has for us. It shows how God chooses to see us positively, even when we think we have failed.

Elijah spent years prophesying against idol worship. God finally sent a drought to the land. The wicked, idol-worshiping priests got together and began to pray. Of course, nothing happened. Then Elijah prayed, and God answered with rain!

After this great victory, Elijah got scared because the queen wanted to kill him. He ran away into the desert. He felt like an utter failure because he had run away. Do you know what God did? God sent an angel to feed Elijah. He let him sleep and then rewarded Elijah with a new revelation.

When we disappoint ourselves, God never ceases to love us. Our relationship with God does not depend on our performance, rather it is based on God’s goodness.

Kimberly Snider is a missionary to the Philippines.

From “Moments for Moms,” a free email subscription.
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Maxim of the Moment

Love’s demise is indifference.