Believe and Follow

And Elijah came to all the people, and said, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people answered him not a word. 

- 1 Kings 18:21

     My brief, Old Testament overview has now entered the time of Elijah. Elijah's life is full of interesting scenarios and amazing miracles from God. Perhaps the most popular is his showdown with the prophets of Baal on top of Mount Carmel. As I began reading this story it was hard to ignore Elijah's heart-piercing question. He calls Israel out for their hypocrisy and duplicity. He puts their wishy-washy dedication on the spot and they are left with nothing to say. It is a simple question and a challenge. Decide who you truly believe is god and then follow that decision. You can't ride the fence and change your loyalties every time the wind blows. Today's thought is pretty short and simple. Who do I really believe is god? That answer is an easy one for me. If it isn't obvious by now, I believe in Jehovah, the God of the Bible. The easy part stops there and the hard part begins when I judge my life by this decision. Do I act like I believe in God? Does my life consistently give evidence of where my allegiance lies? My mouth says one thing but my actions may often say another. It really is simple. I know who my God is, now I just follow Him. I believe this is one reason why Jesus says to have faith like a child. If a child believes something they will commit wholeheartedly to that belief. I must have faith like a child and simply follow the God I know to be true. Believe and follow, so simple, yet so incredibly hard to do.