Five Brave Christians – Daily Reflection

Elijah’s Struggles and Modern Faith

After his remarkable triumph over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, Elijah found himself sinking into a deep depression. Despite witnessing God’s miraculous power and demonstrating to the Israelites that He is indeed the one true God, Elijah quickly began to doubt God’s protection against Jezebel. He even thought, albeit incorrectly, that he was the last faithful believer left in Israel.

“I have been very jealous of the Lord, the God of hosts. The people of Israel have abandoned the covenant, thrown down the altar, and killed the prophets. With swords in hand, they alone seek to take my life.”

This narrative reveals a lot about human weakness and divine compassion. It strikes me that the author of 1 Kings illustrates how God sent an angel to provide Elijah with comfort and nourishment. Furthermore, for Elijah—one of the 7,000 in Israel who remained faithful to God—it served as a reminder that God was still actively working in the world through His followers.

God has people everywhere, often using the most unexpected individuals to bravely stand for the truth. A new film titled Truth Rising shares the stories of five courageous voices during this crucial time.

Take Chloe Cole, for instance. As a teenager, she underwent a double mastectomy believing she was meant to be a man. Confusion wrapped around her identity until God revealed the truth about who she truly is. Now, having detransitioned, she boldly asserts that humans are created male and female in God’s image and stands as a powerful advocate against prevailing darkness.

Then there’s Seth Dillon from the Babylon Bee. Over the last decade, this popular satirical site faced cancellation from one of the major platforms for daring to ask, “What is the truth?” Inspired by the words of Alexander Solzhenitsyn to live without relying on lies, he remained committed to the truth. The outcome of this journey shocked many.

Another inspiring figure is Katie Faust, a pastor’s wife in the Northwest who wrote an anonymous blog exposing the dangers of putting children’s well-being in the hands of adult desires. After being poisoned by someone threatening her and her church community, she emerged as a powerful advocate for children’s rights and welfare worldwide.

Jack Phillips, though a baker, required extraordinary courage. One day, he was asked to create a cake with a message he found untrue. His refusal led to over 13 years of legal battles, making it one of the most significant First Amendment victories in recent history. Again, God’s presence was evident.

Perhaps the most notable of these narratives is Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s journey. Transitioning from Islam to atheism and finally to Christianity, she has found her purpose as a truth-teller at a pivotal cultural moment. Her unwavering faith has propelled her mission.

The stories of these five individuals are captured in the Truth Rising documentary, clearly illustrating that just as God worked through Elijah, He continues to act through His people today. We are not isolated; we are called to this specific time and place.

You can stream Truth Rising for free today.