Proud of You

1 Kings 18:2b-4

Now the famine was severe in Samaria, and Ahab had summoned Obadiah, who was in charge of his palace. (Obadiah was a devout believer in the LORD. While Jezebel was killing off the LORD's prophets, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them in two caves, fifty in each, and had supplied them with food and water.).

We have a world-class furniture designer, an anchor at BBC News , a couturier of red carpet gowns, an executive chef in the White House, a singer's album making it to Billboard’s top 10, and of course, the number one pound-for-pound boxer. These Pinoys do make us proud. They inspire us to think big and go big because they are living proof that it is possible. Cobonpue’s failed entrance exam caused him to spend a semester just learning how to draw; Hizon also went through plain camera work and writing scripts; Lhuillier’s sketched her own bridal gown, because she can’t find any, and gave birth to that entire line; Comerford grew up cooking for her thirteen-member family; Pempengco was a wildcard contender placing third in Little Big Star; and Pacquiao was a highschool dropout who started boxing at age 16. Somewhere in the middle of their humble beginnings and their renowned success is what we call hardwork.  We can argue that they were already gifted. But it did not stop them for going better.

Amidst the severe famine in all Israel, a personality came to rise and brought hope to the remnant-believers there.  His name was Obadiah and his position was palace in charge. He was a devout believer since his youth. I could imagine the quiet rejoicing of all God-worshippers seeing a brother in such prominence. King Ahab’s wife, Jezebel, was in the business of killing off the prophets in the land, which was also why the Lord kept Elijah meantime. Seeing Obadiah spared and still serving in the palace was a breather. His position allowed him to be able to save a hundred prophets by hiding and supplying them with food in caves. The king may have known this man’s religious inclinations, but with his excellent performance and trustworthiness, it will be more to Ahab’s loss to dismiss him from service. He chose no other man but him to tag along in finding solutions to the country’s condition. And although death awaits those who seem to have sided with Elijah, Ahab gave no comment, no sign of suspicion when Obadiah told him of the prophet’s arrival.  His resume may have been his entry point to the palace, but it was his reputation that kept him there.

Colossians 3:23 says ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men’. Obadiah had an excuse of having ungodly, cruel bosses to work with.  Some would repay that with mediocrity and complaints, others would give in and compromise, but he chose to excel for God glory. He was proof to us that it is possible to be a Christian in an ungodly workplace. That God will see our diligence rewarded with respect and confidence. Gary Valenciano proved his caliber and his unquestionable integrity and it opened a platform for him to sing and speak of his love for God on national television. I may have his heart but without his skills, who’d hear me out? Personalities worked hard to have their names ring a bell. Shouldn’t we strive harder for God’s Name? Joseph did it. Daniel too. We hope to hear your name’s next. You’ll sure make Him proud, yey!