Different Stages of Spiritual Maturity
1 Kings 18: 10-15
10. As surely as the LORD your God lives, there is not a nation or kingdom where my master has not sent someone to look for you. And whenever a nation or kingdom claimed you were not there, he made them swear they could not find you.
11. But now you tell me to go to my master and say, 'Elijah is here.'
12. I don't know where the Spirit of the LORD may carry you when I leave you. If I go and tell Ahab and he doesn't find you, he will kill me. Yet I your servant have worshiped the LORD since my youth.
13. Haven't you heard, my lord, what I did while Jezebel was killing the prophets of the LORD? I hid a hundred of the LORD's prophets in two caves, fifty in each, and supplied them with food and water.
14. And now you tell me to go to my master and say, 'Elijah is here.' He will kill me!"
15. Elijah said, "As the LORD Almighty lives, whom I serve, I will surely present myself to Ahab today."
God can use us even at different levels of Spiritual maturity. There is a feeling that to be used from God we must be a super saint. Many fail to serve the Lord thinking they are not a strong enough in their faith, or good enough for God. Some see their shortcomings and take themselves out of ministry opportunities.
None of us are perfect. God has only imperfect people who fall short and sin to use. And yet there are people who live hypocritical lives and folks who ought not to be in the ministry. Headlines are full of Christian leaders who fall into sin and stay there. The Bible warns of false teachers and hirelings who care nothing for the sheep.
Obadiah may not have been as courageous in his faith as Elijah. And Elijah went through deep depression, however, God used them both. There are lists of people who sinned and yet God heard their confessions and restored them into service. Let Him still work in and through you while you are growing in love, godliness and service. Where is your heart? Do you love the Lord, or are you a pretender? Do you desire to serve the Lord or yourself? God knows. Satan will accuse and sideline us in any way he can to keep people from being used of God.
There are prideful people that are on ego trips and God uses them anyway. I’ve seen teachers and preachers really loving the limelight, always want to be the center of attention, yet God has used them bring folks to repentance and salvation.
Obadiah is full of fear, whereas Elijah does not seem concerned about anything except to be God’s instrument. Don’t forget that Elijah has spent three years in hiding and waiting on God in spiritual preparation. Obadiah has been used of God in an evil environment and hindered from practicing the faith of his heart. He is not on the same level in trusting the Lord, but don’t undersell what God has done to use him for good.
Obadiah calls Elijah master or lord, but Elijah corrects him vs. 8 and says “Go tell your master, or your lord Ahab, that I am here. “ Elijah wasn’t his lord or master, Ahab was. Elijah wanted to serve God as His master and Obadiah was still on the learning curve.
Obadiah is quick to point out his “accomplishments” as a means to excuse him from the task Elijah is asking of him. He does not want to confront the king with the news that he just talked with Elijah. He is afraid he is going to die. When people are asked to go to step out in faith, I wonder how some excuse themselves by saying what are doing. God is not done growing us yet. Don’t let excuses get in the way of what God wants to do in and through you.
Elijah gave him confirmation and promises to show up to see King Ahab. God gives us the promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us. Act on His truths instead of your fears. When you seem weak and falling short, don’t give Satan the opportunity to sideline you but focus on God opportunities for you.
Prayer- It is often in our weaknesses that you use me, Lord. May Your will be done in my life. Amen.
