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

Broken Tools and Shattered Mirrors

            This past Easter, my church did this thing where we could take a tour of creation to the cross where Jesus died. I’ll never forget the experience of creation.

            Imagine perfection. You’re whole and one with God. You’re in perfect relation with Him, yourself, and others. One room in creation had tons of mirrors hanging on the walls and one large one sitting in the middle of the room. The only instructions said to imagine yourself as God had created you to be: perfect, flawless. Before the fall, we knew that God created us wonderfully and fearfully and didn’t question that fact. I wouldn’t see my big feet and ears. I wouldn’t see the two red scars on the side of my nose that I believe everyone will see if I don’t cover them up. I wouldn’t think I was too skinny or not pretty enough. Before the fall, I would know that I am created beautiful, but that perfect creation didn’t last—Adam and Eve sinned and brokenness entered our world.

            As I walked out of the creation room and entered the fall, everything was mangled and tattered in the dark room. A picture of twisted DNA with garbage pushing through the strands rested on a pile of sticks. Then, a pile of broken tools and equipment sat on the floor with signs saying, “You’ll never be good enough.” “You can’t fix it,” “Give up.” Why even try.” It was a broken mess representing how sin killed the way men view themselves. I was heartbroken. Tears welled up inside me.

            Then, I saw a broken mirror with glass scattered on the floor. Pictures of the “ideal” woman were strewn across a bulletin board. Some signs read “Shake yourself skinny,” “10 ways to lose weight,” “You’re not pretty enough,” or “No one will want you.” Pictures of photoshopped women covered the board. In that moment, I realized what we had lost when sin entered our world, and my heart broke into pieces.

            I also realized that that perception of us, men or women, was a lie. Yes, a lie. It was also a sin. God tells you and me that we ARE fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14, NIV). For us to say that we aren’t is to tell God that He is a liar. I don’t want to do that.

            Men, God created you to be leaders and hard workers, which means that He has designed that into your DNA. Yes, sin has messed up a lot, but with God you can be who He created you to be. Be strong warriors. You can protect us. I believe that. God says it. He created you to love women fearlessly and to provide for us. Trust Him to sharpen that in you. He can. Through Him, you’re good enough, strong enough, brave enough.

            Women, my fellow, precious women. You’re beautiful. We don’t have to look for flaws. God has created us wonderfully. He designed us and calls us HIS daughters. Be confident. You don’t have to be a certain weight or height or color or anything else because God loves you and KNOWS that you are beautiful.

            Don’t let the lies of Satan drag you down. Remember who God created you to be. He doesn’t make mistakes. He is the perfect artist. You are beautiful. You are worth it. You are loved. You are being fought for. You are His.

           And remember, the story didn't end at the fall. One day, when Christ returns, we won't be a broken mess anymore. We'll live in perfection with the One who saved our souls. I can't wait until that day.

Living Life Together,

Rebecca Thomas