Elijah, a Man Like Us

            “God won’t use me like He used people in the Bible. They’re different. I’m not that good.”

            I used to think that above line a few years ago. No, I didn’t say it out loud, but inside, I felt it to be true. God seemed to use the people in the Bible differently from us today. To be used like Elijah the prophet seemed crazy, but my thinking process was entirely wrong.

            James 5:17-18 states, “Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain and the earth produced crops” (NIV).  The first time I read this verse, I couldn’t (and still can’t) get over the line “Elijah was a man just like us.”

Elijah was a man like me? A young woman who lives in the 21^st century?   

My thoughts ran rampant through my mind, but the answer from the Holy Spirit and God’s Word was and is still clear: God can and will use me like He did Elijah. I don’t have to be a certain person or level of “goodness” because God makes me worthy to be loved and used by Him, and God counts you worthy, too.

Maybe you have fallen into the lie that you will never be used by God or that you aren’t good enough for God to use mightily. Well, as James 5:17 says, you’re just like Elijah. He was human just like you are. He struggled with doubt, fear, sin, and probably a million other things, just like you. But, God decided to use Him still because Elijah knew that God made Him worthy.

The next time you think God can’t use you, remember Elijah and James 5:17-18. No, you probably won’t make a three year drought start, but you just may help change a person’s life who has never known God before.

And one last thought, not only did Elijah have to be willing to let God use him, but he also had to be obedient to God’s leading.

Living Life Together,

Rebecca Thomas

Identity Crisis

           We all find our identity somewhere.

            It could be found in our academia, friends, family, money, job, clothes, self, or even the media, but wherever you find your identity, if it’s not in Christ, you’re probably believing a lie—actually, let me rephrase that: you are believing a lie.

            Recently, I realized how I’ve fallen for the wrong identity. Being the people pleaser that I am, I discovered that I find my identity in what others say about me and what others believe about me. Through this belief, I’ve become crippled and at a loss for who I am. Am I this, that, or that? It was all so confusing, but then, God intervened and righted this wrong way of thinking.

            Here is who God reminded me that I am:

            I am loved (John 3:16)

            I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139: 13-16).

            I am fully known and yet, fully loved (Psalm 139).

            I am chosen (1 Peter 2:9).

            I am fully forgiven and therefore, can do nothing to sever my relationship with my Savior (Colossians 2:13-14).

            I am a child of God, a daughter of the King (John 1:12-13).

            I am a friend of God (John 15:15).

            I am set free from sin (Romans 6:18).

            I am a new creation and don’t have to worry or feel guilty about my past (2 Corinthians 5:17).

            I am Christ’s ambassador; He chose to use me to spread His name (2 Corinthians 5:20).

            I am His beloved and bride (Isaiah 62:3-4).

            It is refreshing to know my identity is not found in what others think about me but in what God knows about me. I am God’s creation and therefore, He knows me; He knows you.

            Today, remember where your identity comes from. Those verses are just a few examples of who we are in Christ. I encourage you to read for yourself.

            Remember: you are loved, counted worthy, a child of God, and a beautiful creation. You do not have to be perfect or successful or anything else because you are already God’s.

            Listen to Him. He calls you beloved. He calls you His own.

            Living Life Together,

Rebecca Thomas

Where My Feet May Fall

            This time of year is full of beginnings and ends for many people. With my college graduation just around the corner, I’m no different. I’ll be honest. This past week has been extremely hard for me. I’ve had exciting moments, such as turning in my last paper of my undergrad career and walking out of my last exam, but I’ve almost cried more times than I can count.

            I’m leaving behind people who have become like my family. Tears come to my eyes as I think about not seeing them and having no definite time when we’ll reunite. For the first time in my life, I understand what fellowship with other believers means, and I can’t imagine life without those people in my life.

            The future seems so uncertain and scary.

            This past Sunday at church, we sang the song “Oceans: Where My Feet May Fall” by Hillsong United. The song talks about how God calls us out on the waves, where we may fall, stumble, or mess up. But, it also reminds us that God’s sovereign hand will guide us. He will never leave us.

            Throughout this song, all I could think about was Peter. The disciples, including Peter, were on the Sea of Galilee, which was exactly where Jesus had told them to be. Then, they see someone who looks like a ghost, but thankfully, it turns out to be Jesus. All of the disciples had to even more realize the deity of Christ as He walked on water in the midst of a storm. Then, Peter says “Lord, if it’s you, [. . .] tell me to come to on the water,” and then, Jesus does (Matt. 14:28).

            Next, Peter does what we as Christians long to do, he obeys and follows Christ despite the obvious risk of drowning. Think about it. Monstrous waves are billowing up around Peter, causing the boat to rock back and forth, but Peter steps out in faith because Jesus is there.

            I was reminded that the future may be filled with storms, but Jesus is out there walking above the waves. If I follow Jesus, I may be placed in the middle of a storm, but He’ll keep me safe and guide me, and if I fail, His love will break my fall and pick me back up when I reach my hand towards Him, just like Jesus rescued Peter after he took his eyes off Jesus.

            Therefore, I may be leaving people I love (but I always can keep in touch), but Jesus is out on the waves waiting for me. I may not know what lies beneath the surface of the waves, but Christ does and will not intentionally take me into harm.

            I don’t know what kind of uncertainty you’re facing or what Jesus is calling you to do, but I do know that He will be with you; He will guide you; He will catch you when you fall.

            Therefore, don’t worry about the future. I’m not.

Living Life Together, 

Rebecca Thomas