Need a quick devotional for a church meeting, Relief Society message, youth activity, or family discussion this week?
Our newest devotional is based on "If the Lord Be God, Follow Him" from 1 Kings 18:21 and is a simple reminder that every day we have the opportunity to choose Jesus.
If the Lord Be God, Follow Him
A 5-Minute Devotional
Based on 1 Kings 12–13; 17–22
One of the most powerful questions in this week's Come, Follow Me lesson comes from the prophet Elijah. Standing on Mount Carmel, he asked the people:
"How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow him." (1 Kings 18:21)
I love that simple invitation:
If the Lord is truly our God, then let's follow Him.
The people in Elijah's day were trying to follow both the Lord and the false gods around them. Their hearts were divided.
Sometimes we can be a little like that too.
We know we should pray, but we get distracted.
We know we should be kind, but sometimes we choose impatience.
We know we should trust the Lord, but sometimes we let fear take over.
Every day we are given opportunities to decide:
Will I follow Jesus today?
The beautiful thing about Elijah's story is that God didn't abandon His people. He invited them to turn back to Him.
After Elijah prayed, fire came down from heaven, and the people knew that the Lord was God.
The Lord still invites us to turn our hearts toward Him today.
He doesn't expect perfection.
He simply asks us to choose Him.
This week's lesson also reminds us of the widow of Zarephath. She had almost nothing left, yet she trusted the prophet and exercised faith in the Lord. Because of her faith, the Lord provided for her family.
Sometimes following Jesus requires trust.
It means choosing faith even when we don't know exactly how things will work out.
It means praying when we are worried.
It means being kind when it isn't easy.
It means obeying even when we stand alone.
President Russell M. Nelson taught:
"Every choice you make can either bring you closer to the Lord or farther away from Him."
The good news is that every day brings a new opportunity to choose again.
We can choose to pray.
We can choose to forgive.
We can choose to trust.
We can choose to follow Jesus.
I love the promise found in the scriptures that the Lord never leaves those who choose Him.
As we follow Him, He strengthens us, guides us, and helps us become more like Him.
This week, I invite each of us to ask ourselves:
What is one way I can follow Jesus a little more closely today?
Maybe it's offering a prayer.
Maybe it's serving someone.
Maybe it's opening the scriptures.
Maybe it's simply choosing kindness.
Small choices, made consistently, help us become faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.
I testify that Jesus Christ lives. He knows each of us personally and lovingly invites us to follow Him. As we choose Him again and again, we will feel His peace, His guidance, and His love.
"If the Lord be God, follow Him."
In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
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