1 Kings 19:3-4 NLT

Elijah was afraid and fled for his life...He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.”

One thing is clear, yesterday lies behind each one of us and can be described. Tomorrow lies before us and we have no clear view of what might happen. I remember the heady days when I was successful both in ministry and in securing position in Christian organisations. Sadly, a part of me enjoyed the ministry and position more than I enjoyed the Lord. I even began to move the source of my security from God to the provision supplied through my position.

Then, unforeseen events stormed my life. I didn’t enjoy this experience. Fear consumed me, fear born of my lack of ability to control my future. I failed to recall that my life was safe within God’s hands, forever. It became apparent I had not been living on faith.

December 26 is the feast of St Stephen, the first martyr (Acts 7:54-60). It is a reminder before the celebrations of Jesus’ birth have ended that the way of faith is one of sacrifice. Elijah flees from his greatest success born of pure faith in God, fearing for his own life, having so upset the status quo. His humanity is reassuring for all of us, for we are ourselves constantly fighting fears born of our uncertain futures. Be they health, financial or relational, we hate not being able to order our own path, and in so doing reveal a faithlessness that is disappointing. Like Elijah, it serves us well to take ourselves into a desert and call out for God to speak. That voice comes quietly and at an unexpected time.

QUESTION: Is your faith in Christ robust enough to meet the challenges you face for your uncertain future?

PRAYER: Lord, if after celebration there is trial, help me to keep on trusting you.