The limelight is not for me. But some enjoy it. Ninety-nine percent of our world will never be known outside their immediate surroundings. Most will remain unnoticed by the world. If only one percent of the world’s population has a reputation beyond their circle of influence, there would be over seven million celebrities. How many of those can you call by name? A hundred, two hundred, how about 1000. Now, out of all those you can name, how many do you respect? Do they have character traits that you want to emulate? Are those traits the kind you wish your kids or grandkids to duplicate?
There is a food bank serving the area where I live. They give out over 30,000 meals per month. They have a paid staff which is less than five. I can only name two. Volunteers, mostly retirees, accomplish the real work. They do a tremendous work for the area, although the individuals are unknown by the community. The demand for assistance is enormous. So, they are working toward expanding their facilities to serve more people, all by donations.
The above principle applies to the Lord’s work also. Only a few are known by name. Most are unknown, but God knows all of them. Our Lord uses the unknown saints more than the famous ones. The nameless do the little unappreciated things, but necessary things, and they are glad to do it.
We do not know Elijah’s background or his deeds before he appeared to Ahab in I Kings 17. Elijah appears suddenly out of nowhere and announced to King Ahab it would not rain for three years.
No doubt, Elijah and God were not strangers before this. The prophet had a proven track record with God. However, it is not recorded in the Bible, although the prophet’s relationship with God is highly esteemed. Elijah is one of two people in the Bible transported to heaven without dying. Would God have done that with a nobody?
We know nothing about the upbringing of Mary, the mother of Jesus. However, in her background, there had to be an unshakable dedication to God. Faith known only to God, but probably not to others or maybe just a few. She remained faithful all her life. You can find her in the Upper Room in Acts chapter one after the Lord’s ascension.Faithfulness, although unnoticed by many, is recognized by God.
Whatever your station in life, whether good or poor health, wealth or poverty, noticed or unnoticed, one thing is sure, God knows your character. He keeps track of your deeds and words. The Lord remembers every prayer. Are you praying for others, or are your prayers only for selfishness?
One thing is sure, nothing goes unnoticed by God.
