In our opening scripture, we find an interesting story of Obadiah who was the governor of King Ahab’s palace. This means he was in charge of the palace, comparable to the position of chief of staff in other nations. The Living bible rendering says, “The man in charge of Ahab’s household affairs was Obadiah”. King Ahab led a wicked administration. His wife was Jezebel who championed the persecution of the prophets of God. 1 Kings 16:30-31 bears witness to this saying: “And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD above all that were before him. And it came to pass, as if it had been a right thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him”. Despite living in such a political administration, Obadiah was different. Our opening scripture testified about him that he feared God greatly. He didn’t join the bandwagon of evil. Jezebel breathed fire against God’s prophets, ordering executions. But Obadiah hid one hundred prophets of the Lord and fed them. You may be occupying a significant and high position like Obadiah, what have you done with your power. Have you used your position to advance evil or God’s righteousness? Use your position to save others according to God’s will. When evil was determined against the Jews in Sushan, Mordecai posed an awakening question to Esther the Queen, “Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). You are in your place for such a time as this.

In this story of Obadiah we learn that it is possible to be in a rotten administration and yet be different. Additionally Obadiah’s fear for God was not silent. He demonstrated it by hiding the prophets. Don’t just fear God by mouth. Demonstrate your fear for God in actively advancing God’s purpose and will wherever you are. Don’t side with evil. Side with God’s righteousness always. Pharaoh in Egypt ordered the midwives to kill every Hebrew born male child but Exodus 1:17 informs us, “But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive”. The midwives demonstrated their fear for God. There is grace for you to stand in such an environment and demonstrate fear for the Lord. Of course, there are times when God specifically guides you to leave or not be part of such an environment. However today I want you to see that it’s possible to still fear the Lord in such an environment.