"Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, "So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow." Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there." vs1-3

We are nothing. If God doesn’t uphold us, then we run for our lives. Elijah slew 450 prophets, yet he’s afraid. If the Holy Spirit doesn’t show us Christ… if he leaves us to our resources… then we lose our strength. Not only in the battle but after the battle… as new troubles come… we must stand by grace. A person never stands on his own, so take heed unless you fall.

Render to Christ the glory of his name. He is upholding us, just like Peter. Luke 22:32 - "but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." Who are we that we’d have salvation and the love of God poured upon us? Who are we to conquer sin?

1 Kings 19:15 - "And the LORD said to him, "Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria."

Who is Hazael? He’s a king God used to accomplish his purpose - an evil man who does God’s will.

God doesn’t make us sin. God forbid. He does, however, ordain our evil for good. He didn’t make Judas sin, but his Son had to conquer the cross. He didn’t make Joseph’s brothers betray him or envy, but Joseph had to ascend the throne, and they must bow before him. Genesis 50:20 - "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today."

Believe God. He uses evil for good.

1 Kings 19:16 - "And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place."

All of these were chosen by God. We did nothing to be chosen. Who is Elisha to be a prophet? He’s content plowing with oxen. Who is Jehu that he should be raised up? He is nobody, chosen by God.