My heart broke as I listened to story after story. The things that go on in schools these days are terrifying. Even the so-called good kids make bad choices and what is our world coming to when children can’t just be children. Mamas afraid to put their children on a school bus and dads having to have conversations about drugs and s*x with kids who should still be innocently giggling and jumping rope.

As I sat there, I thought of a verse in the book of Romans. Paul is reminding his readers of the time Elijah was convinced that he was alone in the world. The people were worshipping other gods, the prophets were all being killed and Elijah’s own life was in danger. He cries out to God, “I am all alone in this!” But the Lord is quick to set him straight.

I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal. Romans 11:4

Elijah panicked and ran because he was convinced that he was alone. You can read the whole account in 2 Kings 19. My favorite part is, as Elijah is hiding in a cave, God comes to him and asks, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

God sends him back to where he came from and He gives him the names of people who are still standing strong. There is Hazael, and Jehu and Elisha. Also, there are seven thousand others. Elijah was never alone.

Paul tells his readers that, just like in Elijah’s day, there is a remnant chosen by grace (Romans 11:5.) It may have appeared as if the Jews were all rejecting Christ but there was always a remnant of believing Jews who would not abandon their faith. Matthew Henry’s commentary on this verse describes this remnant as people who were “chosen from eternity in the counsels of divine love to be vessels of grace and glory.”

We may look at the environments our children are having to navigate and be tempted to think they are all alone. As a fellow mom who has the same fears, I can promise you that they are not alone. There will always be a remnant chosen by grace.

Your child may just be a part of that special group chosen from eternity to be a vessel of grace and glory. We need to cover our children in prayer. Let’s ask God to reveal some of the others who are still standing for Him just like He did for Elijah so that our children know that they aren’t alone.

Perhaps, it’s you. In the workplace. In the gym. In the playgroup. On the campus. Wherever you are – you’re not alone. You are a part of a remnant chosen in love to carry His grace and glory to the darkest corners of the world.

Carry on. You are loved.

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