I was feeling a bit discouraged this week that more “ministry stuff” isn’t happening for us. Don’t get me wrong, there are good things happening. The more I reflect on it, I realize, it’s probably just me measuring myself against worldly standards of success. Regardless, some days I just wish there was more tangible fruit in my ministry. So, in my time with Jesus the other day, I let him know how I felt. He reminded me of the prophet Elijah and gave me this thought.

Elijah was Israel’s most famous prophet. He opposed idolatry in Israel, particularly the worship of Baal. In his first recorded interaction with Ahab, he notes that he is a servant of the “Lord God of Israel”. His recorded actions had a profound impact on a nation. Yet, there are only about five moments of note recorded from Elijah’s life. The question that came to me was, “What did Elijah do with the rest of his time?”

My reflection on Elijah’s life:

• Elijah was a full-time servant of God. That meant he was completely committed to and available to God, all day, every day – even if the day didn’t look like much.
• Elijah listened to the voice of God and did what God asked. Listening and obeying helped him to be in the right place at the right time.
• Because Elijah knew God, believed him, and obeyed him, God’s instructions were accompanied by God’s power.

My takeaway:

• If I am a servant of God, then I need to be completely committed to him, and all my time is his to use.
• When I’m not doing “profound” ministry stuff, I need to live like a citizen of the Kingdom where three main commands guide life. Love God and abide in him. Love neighbours, like Jesus loves us. Do good (Isaiah 61) in every sphere of life.
• Listening and obeying will help me be in the right place at the right time too.
• Knowing and obeying God will be accompanied by God’s power, so that even one or two moments of note can have profound eternal significance.