Romans 11:3-4 NIV
Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars; I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me”? And what was God’s answer to him? “I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal
When despair settles in and righteousness seems absent, God preserves a faithful remnant. Romans 11:3-4 reveals a moment of intense spiritual weariness. The apostle Paul quotes the prophet Elijah to remind us that God always protects those who remain loyal, even when the world appears lost.
Elijah had just called down fire from heaven on Mount Carmel, exposing the falsehood of Baal worship. However, after this stunning victory, he ran into the wilderness. Fear and exhaustion overtook him. He cried to God, “I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me.” His words revealed a heart that felt abandoned and overwhelmed.
Nevertheless, God responded with a powerful truth: “I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” Elijah could not see them, but God had preserved thousands who remained faithful. God did not rely on Elijah’s knowledge. Instead, He quietly protected those who continued to honour Him.
Paul used this story to teach a deeper lesson. Even when Israel turned away, God preserved a faithful remnant. He never abandoned His people. Rather, He always kept a portion set apart for Himself. His plans remained intact, and His promises never failed to come to pass.
Throughout Scripture, this theme is repeated. In 1 Kings 19, God did not rebuke Elijah for his weariness. Instead, He nourished him with food, allowed him to rest, and gently spoke through a still, small voice. God met Elijah with compassion, not condemnation, and reminded him of the unseen work already in progress.
Furthermore, Isaiah 10:20-22 describes a remnant returning to the Lord after judgment. Similarly, Micah 5:7 speaks of the remnant as a blessing to the nations, appearing like dew from the Lord—quiet, consistent, and life-giving. These verses confirm that God often works through the faithful few rather than the visible majority.
Likewise, the New Testament reinforces this idea. Paul explains that God’s mercy extends far beyond Israel. He calls people from every nation, preserving those who respond to His voice. Although many may feel isolated in their faith, God continues to raise a remnant that remains true to Him.
Daniel and his three friends—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—show us what this looks like in action. Living in Babylon, they refused to bow to idols. Despite the pressure, they stood firm in obedience. Their faith did not depend on their surroundings. Instead, their quiet strength demonstrated that God empowers His faithful servants, even in hostile cultures.
Their story illustrates a crucial truth: never assume your struggle marks the end of God’s work. When you feel alone, do not surrender to despair. Elijah believed the battle had ended, but God had already preserved thousands. In fact, He had more people, more plans, and more assignments still ahead.
At the same time, we must guard against pride during our pain. Elijah believed he stood alone. While his emotion was real, his assumption suggested that he alone remained faithful. That mindset, though understandable, bordered on pride. We must never say, “I am the only one God can use.” Thinking this way puts us at the centre of God’s work and blinds us to the ways He moves in others.
God works through many, not just a few. Across time, cultures, and nations, He plants seeds of faith. He raises several voices in places we may never visit. Although we may not see His hand physically, God never stops building His kingdom.
Romans 11:3-4 helps us correct our perspective. What we call abandonment, God calls preservation. What looks like failure, He transforms into a foundation. While we often focus on what we lack, God focuses on what He is doing behind the scenes. He never loses track of His people. In every generation, He preserves a faithful remnant, and He always fulfils His purposes.
Therefore, when you feel isolated in your convictions, take heart. God remains near. You may not see the others, but He has preserved them. He has a backup plan—greater, deeper, and more powerful than you can imagine. Although you may not understand His ways, you can trust His character. So hold firm. You are not alone. God remains faithful, even when our strength fades. His plans do not hinge on how we feel. Rather, they rest entirely on who He is.
Living It Out
When you feel alone in your convictions, don’t give in to despair—lean into God’s faithfulness. You are not forgotten, and you are certainly not the only one. Like Elijah, you may not see the full picture, but God has reserved others—faithful ones just like you—quietly standing firm across the world. Your obedience matters. Your faith, though tested, is not wasted.
So rise up with renewed strength. Keep praying, standing, and living boldly for Christ, even when it feels unseen. Trust that God is working beyond what you can see. He has preserved a faithful remnant, and you are part of it. Let your faith burn brightly in a dark world, not in isolation, but as one among many He is raising to fulfil His purpose in this generation.