May 19

Morning

I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves. — Eccl 10:7 BSB

It is a common occurrence that those who are lesser often rise to places of prominence, while the truly great remain hidden. This is a mystery of God’s providence, one that will be resolved and bring joy to the righteous when it is finally understood. But in this life, we shouldn’t be surprised if it happens to us.

While Jesus, the Prince of kings, walked the earth, He took the lowliest position, serving others as a servant. If this happened to Him, should we be surprised if we, His followers, also find ourselves looked down upon and despised? This world is upside down—those who are first are often last, and those who are last are often first. Look at how the wicked prosper and rule the world. They ride high while the faithful are often overlooked or oppressed. Haman sat in the court while Mordecai remained at the gate. David wandered in the wilderness while Saul reigned in splendor. Elijah hid in the cave while Jezebel ruled the palace. Yet, who would trade places with the wicked? And who wouldn’t envy the humble saints?

When the wheel of time turns, the lowly will rise, and the mighty will fall. So, have patience, believer—eternity will right the wrongs of time. Do not allow your passions to rule over you while your spiritual faculties walk in the dust. Let God’s grace reign over your body, making it a vessel of righteousness. The Holy Spirit loves order and gives the highest place to those spiritual virtues that unite us with God. Let us not disturb God’s design but seek grace to keep our passions in check. We were created anew not to be ruled by our desires but to reign with Christ over our spirit, soul, and body for God’s glory.

Evening

while he himself traveled on a day’s journey into the wilderness. He sat down under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” — 1 Kgs 19:4 BSB

It’s remarkable that the man who was never destined to die, the one whom God had planned a far better end for—the man who would be taken to heaven in a chariot of fire without seeing death—would pray, "Let me die! I’m no better than my ancestors." Here, we have a powerful reminder that God doesn’t always answer our prayers in the exact way we ask, though He always responds in a way that meets our true need. In Elijah’s case, God gave him something far better than what he prayed for, proving that He truly heard him.

It’s surprising that someone as bold as Elijah could be so shaken by Jezebel’s threat that he would ask to die. Yet, how merciful was our heavenly Father not to take him at his word in that moment of despair!

There’s a limit to the prayer of faith. We shouldn’t expect God to give us everything we ask for just because we ask. Sometimes we ask and don’t receive because we’re asking for the wrong thing. If we’re asking for something that’s not in line with God’s promises, or something that goes against the spirit He wants us to grow in, or if we’re simply seeking comfort for ourselves without considering His glory, we shouldn’t be surprised when He doesn’t grant our request.

However, when we pray with faith, even if we don’t get exactly what we ask for, God will give us something just as good—if not better. As someone once said, "If the Lord doesn’t pay in silver, He will pay in gold; and if not in gold, He’ll pay in diamonds!" If He doesn’t give you the exact thing you’re asking for, He’ll give you something equivalent, or even better, that will bring you greater joy.

So, dear reader, pray often, but be mindful of what you ask for!