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.”

Lord God, there are too many days on which I feel exactly like Elijah. I grow very discouraged because people aren’t listening, my work seems to be spitting into the wind. Sometimes I even wonder what my purpose is as one day meaninglessly turns into another day without any movement forward. Sometimes I very much feel that it is me against the world, that I’m the only one left, doing life all by myself. I find hope here. I find hope in the way that you help Elijah in his despair and discouragement. You remind him that you aren’t done with him yet. You still have work for him to do and to accomplish. Lord God, these are the promises that raise my spirits, that give me hope, and that spur me on to work another day. You have called me and placed me here at this time and in this place. It is not by accident or coincidence that I live and work here. You have put me here to work for you and for your kingdom. And I am not alone in this work. Not only are you with me, but there is a community of believers whom you have placed around me to pray for me, to walk with me, and to support me as I live my life for you. I am not alone. More than that, because you have called me here and placed me here I have your purpose and your place. In my vocation and calling from you, I find my purpose and my place. This is where you want me to serve. These are the people who want me to serve. These are the things you call me to do. There is work for me to do. I am not just a cog in the machine; I am part of the way that you do your work in the world. I am your mask. Lord, inspire me by your call and by the purpose you give me to get up and go to work today. It is not in vain because you will not let my work fall flat to the ground. Amen.