Have you ever been excited about something, only to be dismayed when others did not share your enthusiasm? It can sometimes be discouraging to believe that you are the only one who cares, or the only one who contributes, or the only one who is working for a certain cause. The prophet Elijah became so discouraged in his work for the Lord that he wanted to die (1 Kings 19:4).
When God asked him what he was doing, Elijah said, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life” (1 Kings 19:10 NKJV). Elijah referred to how hard he had been working, and that others had quit, even turning against him. He believed he was alone, and was greatly discouraged. However, he was not alone. Even though he could not see them, and even though he did not know about them, there were others just like him who were very zealous for the Lord. God told him, "Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him” (v. 18). With that knowledge, Elijah arose and went back to work.
We can get discouraged in our work for the Lord thinking no one else cares enough to contribute. If we are not careful, we ourselves may give up on the Lord's work. When you find yourself thinking this way, remember that God always has other people working in his kingdom. In giving a charge concerning the devil, the apostle Peter made note of such people: Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world (1 Peter 5:9). We can keep fighting the good fight knowing that there are indeed others who are in the fight as well.
In fact, there is probably work being done behind the scenes in this congregation of which you are not aware. This lack of omniscience should humble us and keep us focused on glorifying God. It is when we begin to feel sorry for ourselves that we stop working and start complaining. Leave the evaluating to God. He will rightly reward you and everyone else for what was done or left undone. Also to You, O Lord, belongs mercy; for You render to each one according to his work (Psalm 62:12). So keep working, for you are not alone.
If you want to work but are not sure what to do, please ask the elders. There is plenty to be done, and you could fill a needed spot. Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me” (Isaiah 6:8). The kingdom of Christ can always use more workers with the enthusiasm of Isaiah.
Brotherly, Jamie
