What To Do When “Me” Gets in the Way of “Him”

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I’d like to introduce you to my new friend Kristen Marble. A co-student in my husband Randy’s Doctoral program, I’ve gotten to know what a cool gal she is over the past two years as I tagged along on group lunches and shared events. But I really saw her heart on our trip to Israel together. Her passion for God, love for her family of ten, and dedication to her inner city church is amazing.
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Guest Post by Kristen Marble
Think about something you really want – long for – desire. Your mind and attention is focused on that singular hope. Your thoughts, actions, prayers, and maybe even dreams at night, considered nothing else.

Some might joke “that thing” would be winning the lottery. Others would identify a great desire to overcome health challenges, financial struggles, addictions, or relational breaks.

While reading 1 Kings 18:36-39 this week, I was struck by Elijah’s great desire. Elijah faced a showdown with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. It was an epic battle between Baal and the Lord of Israel – a battle that would decide who is the true God.

For hours Baal’s prophets called, danced, prophesied, shouted, and even cut themselves – all without response. And then Elijah prayed. The words of his prayer are simple, yet profound.

“Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.”

Yes, Elijah desired to be vindicated. He wanted to “win” the showdown. He wished that Baal’s prophets would lose their grip on the people. But more than all that, he longed for the people to know God’s true identity. He wanted truth to prevail. He desired that the people would respond to that truth.

It would have been understandable if Elijah’s identity, value, and credibility had motivated his prayers. His very calling and role as the Lord’s Prophet was at stake in this interaction. And yet, Elijah’s focus was not on himself, but on God. His greatest desire was about the Lord and his name – not his own.

I’m challenged this week as I consider Elijah’s prayer for myself, my calling and my life. What motivates and guides my greatest desires and hopes?

Is it all about God’s renown and fame? Or is it my own?

Maybe Elijah’s prayer also speaks to you and your greatest wishes.

What stands behind those desires?

Is it fame, fortune, vindication, ease, satisfaction, or comfort? Or is that God’s name would be proclaimed – his identity would be known – and his people would turn back to him?

May Elijah’s words guide us all this week in our thoughts, actions, prayers and dreams.

“Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.”
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Kristen ministers with an urban church in Indianapolis. She has been married almost 23 years, and has 10 children including 3 biological and 7 internationally adopted kids from Haiti, Ukraine and Russia. Kristen is currently finishing her Doctorate of Ministry in the New Testament Context, focusing on how to read the Old Testament in the Church today. In her free time, Kristen enjoys traveling, trying new recipes, thrift store shopping and spending time in nature.
kristen@kristenmarble.com
www.KristenMarble.com