Good morning! Loneliness is a real factor for many of us in the multi-faceted life we live, including work. I think it is especially true for many who are still feeling the impact of the Pandemic. But, what about the field goal kicker who could have won the game with a last second kick but failed to put the ball in the uprights. He leaves the field in a sea of disappointment and there isn't a thing anyone can say to make it better in the moment. Dejected, he walks off the field - all alone. What about the V.P. who gets a pink slip when the company merger finally takes place closes his office door for the last time. Alone. How about the nurse who wasn't invited to the party even though all the other nurses on her floor were...she spends her evening at home by herself. She may not have even gone to the gathering, but that's not the point. She wasn't invited. She feels the pangs of loneliness dig into her heart again.
It is easy to feel like you're the only one, no matter the situation. Relative to your work, you may feel like you are the only Christian employed in your organization or business. It could be that there are others who say they know the Lord, but on a daily basis it still seems that you alone stand for Kingdom principles. It is a tough position. Elijah found himself in the middle of such a life-event one day as he lived out his life-calling and career. Many of you know the story of the showdown on Mt. Carmel. He was facing a total of 850 prophets (450 of Baal and 400 other prophets of false gods). Facing them all by himself he cried out to God, "I even I only, remain a prophet of the Lord, but Baal's prophets are 450 men." (I Kings 18:22) Of course, the Lord won the battle and Elijah was used in a powerful way. Your workplace challenge is to apply in your work three very short lessons from that story.
First, you are never totally alone because the Holy Spirit (the Presence of God) is always with you! And as they say, the Lord and only one are a majority. That is true and He can practically carry you through anything. Don't forget that! Second, you probably aren't really all by yourself. In Elijah's case, it was simply that no one else was willing to step forward. One of the cool things about this story is that once Elijah stepped forward, the people of God (children of Israel - see vs. 20) saw the reality of God's power and presence and bowed down saying, "The Lord, He is God!" It's just that someone had to step forward and prove it! (That is your job at work!). So don't feel bad if the Lord chooses you to lead the way for others...even if you feel like you're having to go it alone! Finally, though Elijah stood alone in the battle at hand, he was the only one standing at the end of the day. All the prophets of Baal were overthrown and killed. It paid to be on God's team. And it will for you, regardless the difficulty and lonesome experience you may be plowing through today! There is certain victory in being with the Lord! So if you are alone at work, do not despair. God is still in charge of what you are doing and His plan is perfect for you this day. Make it count for His glory!