Wanda pulled the car door closed and sank against her seat, completely spent. What she needed right now was some Christian music: something to tell her she wasn’t alone in the world. She started the engine and cranked up the radio. By the time she got home, her heart lightened a little.

She tossed her bag on the table, and bent to greet Kiki, who wound around her legs. At least her cat wasn’t judging her. She scooped her up and carried her to the kitchen, where she pulled a container of leftovers from the fridge.

Kiki squirmed, so Wanda released her while she dumped the contents of the container onto a plate and started the microwave. Exactly three minutes later, she sat at her minuscule kitchen table, scrolling through her phone, eating dinner. The phone vibrated in her hand, and Jess’s picture lit up the screen. Wanda brightened and accepted the video call.

“Hey, Sis, what’s up?”

Jess grinned. “Just calling to check up on you. How are things going in your new department?”

Wanda sighed. “Not great.”

Jess’s brows drew together. “What’s going on? You were so sure God was calling you to the university.”

“I know, and I still believe He wants me there, but it’s a huge department, and I don’t think there are any other Christians. Everyone talks about being ‘tolerant,’ but they’re distinctly intolerant of anything that has to do with Jesus. My coworkers say claiming there’s only one way to get to heaven is narrow-minded. And everything is so political. There’s no way I’m willing to discuss politics with any of my coworkers. I’m afraid once they find out I’m a Christian, I’ll be shunned. Maybe even fired.”

Jess frowned. “Wow, Wanda, that’s a lot to take in. What about the students?”

“It’s not much different. They may have gone to church with their parents, but now that they’re out on their own, they’re exploring alternatives. You wouldn’t believe the number of clubs on campus that make me shudder. There’s the secular student alliance, the humanist society, and even a Wiccan club. I feel like I’m all alone.”

“I’m sorry, sweetie. But you’re at a university with 30,000 people. I guarantee you’re not alone. Remember Elijah?”

Wanda stared at her sister. “Elijah Cohen? Dad’s friend?”

Jess laughed. “No. Elijah from the Bible. God called him to be a prophet in a time when Israel was following false gods. Elijah confronted the king and the prophets of Baal in a big showdown, God won, and the false prophets were killed. Then the queen said she was going to kill Elijah and he ran away.”

Wanda finished chewing a mouthful of dinner and set down her fork. “I vaguely remember that story, but I’m not sure what it has to do with me.”

“Elijah told God he ran away because everyone else was following false gods and he was the only one left. And God told him He had reserved 7,000 people in Israel who were faithful to Him. God won’t leave you alone, either. He’s always with you, and I guarantee there are other Christians at the university. I’ll be praying for you to find them.”

Hope filled Wanda’s heart, along with love for her sister. “Thanks, Jess, I needed that.”

“I’ll see you next weekend for the reunion?”

Wanda grinned at her sister. “Wouldn’t miss it.”

She disconnected the call and pulled up the university website. As she scrolled through the student groups, amidst the pickleball clubs and the drama clubs, she noticed a handful of Christian fellowship organizations, and her hope grew. At the end of the list of student clubs, the next heading caught her eye. Faculty clubs? She scrolled through wine tasting, book clubs, women in STEM, which might be interesting, past the faculty union, and there it was. A faculty Bible study, which met Wednesday evenings at 7:30 PM. She glanced at her watch. 6:47. Hope bloomed in her chest as she shot off a text to Jess. She’d find some of the faithful people God had reserved, and she’d find them tonight!

Romans 11:2–5

God did not reject his people, whom he foreknew. Don’t you know what Scripture says in the passage about Elijah—how he appealed to God against Israel: “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.” So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.

God, sometimes in this world where there is so much darkness, it’s hard to see the light. We feel if we speak out for You, we will be shunned and alone. But You call us to shine Your light and speak the truth. When we feel alone in our faith, please help us feel Your presence, Lord. Please surround us with those who love You. It’s easy to feel like Elijah, God, but You are faithful to care for us. Thank You for Your love and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.