Devotional: Ordinary People. Extraordinary Courage.

Written By Islands Christian Church

Scripture for Reflection

  • 1 Kings 18:1–16 – The story of Obadiah’s quiet yet courageous faithfulness in King Ahab’s court.

  • Matthew 10:28 – “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

  • Colossians 3:23–24 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”

Reflection

Obadiah’s story teaches us that faithfulness is about living courageously and obediently in the unique circumstances where God has placed us. As an administrator in King Ahab’s palace—a man notorious for his evil and rebellion—Obadiah secretly remained loyal to God. While outwardly serving the king, he covertly protected God’s prophets, risking his life to supply them with food and water.

What’s remarkable is that Obadiah did not reveal his allegiance to Elijah or his faithfulness to God until the right moment. When Elijah instructed him to tell Ahab where he was, Obadiah hesitated, expressing his fear. He had worked carefully for years to maintain his position while serving God in secret, and this new instruction felt like stepping into the unknown. What if Elijah disappeared again, leaving Obadiah vulnerable to Ahab’s wrath? His fear was valid, but Elijah reassured him with a reminder of God’s sovereignty and purpose.

This moment required Obadiah to transition from quiet faithfulness to bold action. It reminds us that God’s call on our lives isn’t static—it can change, often in ways that challenge our sense of security. Obadiah’s courage didn’t come from self-confidence but from trusting God’s timing and plan. He acted boldly because he believed that God, not Ahab, held the ultimate power over his life.

In the same way, God may call us to live faithfully and even quietly in certain seasons, using our positions to bring light to dark places. But there may come a time when He asks us to step out boldly, declaring our faith and allegiance in a way that could cost us something. The courage to do so doesn’t come from knowing the outcome but from trusting the God who controls the outcome.

Ultimately, Obadiah’s story points us to Jesus, who perfectly balanced faithfulness and boldness. Like Obadiah, Jesus lived in a hostile environment, quietly fulfilling His mission until the time came to boldly proclaim His identity and purpose. He went to the cross with the ultimate courage, trusting the Father’s timing to bring about redemption for the world.

For us, this means embracing the roles God has given us, no matter how ordinary or challenging they may seem. It also means being attentive to His voice, ready to act boldly when He calls us to step into something new. Faithfulness is not about controlling our circumstances but about trusting the One who is sovereign over them.

Questions for Reflection

  1. Where has God placed you that might feel challenging or uncomfortable? How can you remain faithful in that environment?

  2. Have you ever allowed fear to hinder your obedience to God? How might acknowledging your fears help you overcome them?

  3. What does faithfulness look like for you in your current role—whether at work, home, or church?

  4. How can you be prepared to adapt if God calls you to a new or more public expression of your faith?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the example of Obadiah and his quiet courage. Help me to embrace the role You’ve given me and to remain faithful, even when it’s difficult. Give me the strength to face my fears and the wisdom to adapt when You call me to step out in faith. May my life reflect Your light in dark places and glorify You in all I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Further Study

Islands Christian Church http://islandschristian.org
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