Elijah’s Struggles and Modern Courageous Voices

Following his remarkable triumph over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, Elijah sank into a profound depression. He had just witnessed God’s miraculous works and proved to Israel the existence of the one true God. Yet, despite this victory, Elijah found himself doubting whether God could safeguard him from Jezebel. He also believed, albeit incorrectly, that he was the last faithful follower left in Israel.

Elijah expressed his distress, saying, “I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. The Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I am left alone, and they seek to take my life.”

This account teaches us much about human vulnerability and God’s compassion. One particularly striking detail is how God sent an angel to Elijah, allowing him to rest and providing him with food. It served as a reminder that, even though Elijah felt isolated, there were still 7,000 people in Israel who had not submitted to Baal—God was still very much active in the world through His followers.

God places His people everywhere, often choosing unlikely individuals to represent the truth courageously. A recent film called Truth Rising showcases five such bold figures who are making their mark during these complex times.

One example is Chloe Cole, who as a teenager made the drastic decision to undergo a double mastectomy in pursuit of transitioning to a male identity. Having been deeply confused, she now affirms her true identity as a woman and advocates for the view that humans are created male and female in God’s image. Her story reflects a powerful turnaround against the prevailing darkness.

Then there’s Seth Dillon from the Babylon Bee, a well-known satirical site. Over the last decade, they’ve faced backlash and been silenced for calling out societal truths. Dillon, inspired by Alexander Solzhenitsyn’s call to “live without relying on lies,” has navigated through various challenges while staying true to the truth, leading to unexpectedly impactful outcomes.

My friend Katie Faust, previously a pastor’s wife in the Northwest, wrote an anonymous blog tackling the ideology that prioritizes adult desires over children’s needs. After facing threats that endangered her and her church community, she has emerged as a prominent advocate for children’s rights globally.

Courage may not usually be expected from a baker, but for Jack Phillips, it became his defining trait. When asked to create a cake with a message he disagreed with, he stood firm. This decision led to over a decade of legal battles, marking a significant First Amendment victory. Again, we see God’s hand at work here.

Arguably the most recognized story is that of Ayaan Hirsi Ali, who journeyed from Islam to atheism and ultimately to faith in Christ. Now an activist and political leader, Ayaan feels called to be a voice of truth during a pivotal cultural moment, and she is doing just that.

These narratives are central to the Truth Rising documentary and research. They serve as a reminder that God continues to work through His people today, much like He did with Elijah on Mount Carmel. They also encourage us that we are not alone in our purpose during this critical time.

The Colson Center believes that God desires to equip His people to live faithfully in the current cultural landscape. Through programs like Truth Rising, Christians are encouraged to gain clarity, confidence, and courage in their faith. Consider participating in our year-end gift initiative, where your contributions can have double the impact due to a generous matching challenge.

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