Don’t you know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah — how he pleads with God against Israel? “Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars. I am the only one left, and they are trying to take my life!” But what was God’s answer to him? “I have left seven thousand for myself who have not bowed down to Baal.” (Romans 11:2-4)
Maybe you feel like Elijah sometimes. Maybe you’re the only Christian in your family. The only Christian in your office, on your job site, at your school. Elijah thought he was the only faithful person in all of Israel, but God reminded him that he’s always working to save people, even when we don’t see it. Even now! “There is also at the present time a remnant chosen by grace” (11:5).
This truth makes us more bold in our prayers. If God can save anyone, then we can pray for people with hearts that are completely hardened toward God, knowing that God can choose them and save them by his grace.
This truth makes us more willing to take risks. We’ll risk our relationships, time, and money. We’ll even risk our safety and security and well-being for other people. Because we know that God’s going to keep electing people, so whatever we give up won’t go to waste.
This truth makes us more patient and persevering. When we share the gospel and people don’t respond, we won’t be discouraged. Paul should have been the most discouraged Christian on the planet. When he shared the gospel with his own people, they would almost always reject him, mock him, persecute him, or try to kill him, or all of the above. He would pick himself up, brush the dust off his robe, go to the next city, and keep sharing the gospel.
Because he believed that God is sovereign, and God is always saving.