How many sheep do you see?
“Am I the only one left?” is a question asked by Elijah in 1 Kings 19:10-18. Elijah, feeling discouraged and alone, believed he was the only remaining prophet of God in Israel, while others had turned to Baal. He expresses his despair and fear of persecution to God, believing he is the last one left.”
We may at times ask God, am I the only one left? Serving meals? Teaching children other than mine? Cleaning? Care taking? Giving? Speaking up about death, resurrection? Heaven and Hades/Hell? Loving all? So much more? Helping to rescue the one lost sheep that needs a way back to the fold? (Luke 15:4-7)
“The Lord is my shepherd;…
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
(Psalm 23:4 ESV)
“Shout praises to the LORD, everyone on this earth. Be joyful and sing as you come in to worship the LORD! You know the LORD is God! He created us, and we belong to him; we are his people, the sheep in his pasture. Be thankful and praise the LORD as you enter his temple. The LORD is good! His love and faithfulness will last for ever.”
(Psalms 100:1-5 CEVUK)
Have I been added in the counting of His Sheep? How about you?
thedailylily.com 
“How many sheep do you see?”
I see three sheep in Yvonne’s beautiful art!
“Am I the only one left?”, you quote, Sara. I think we have only to look at Yvonne’s painting to have an encouraging answer to your question.
Seeing those three sheep standing in solidarity through the snowstorm reminds me of a verse from Ecclesiastes 4:12: “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”
And this verse from Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”
When I read on in 1 Kings 19, God’s answer to Elijah’s feeling of aloneness was, “But I still have 7,000 people in Israel whose knees have not knelt to worship Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.” (vs 18)
Thank you, Sara that your scripture brings us consolation and joy, “we belong to him; we are his people, the sheep in his pasture.” And thanks to Yvonne who confirms and shows us exactly that in her art.
Debi, did you notice our artist, Yvonne, graced One with a 💖?
Thanks for the count message of one, two and three from Ecclesiastes 4:12.
This again makes the connection between Tammy’s footnotes and the devotional from today in my comment.
Sara, you asked, Debi, did you notice our artist, Yvonne, graced One with a (heart)?”
Yes, I did. I wonder if that means the sheep has a very special love for Jesus? Maybe as is told in Luke 7:47?
“So I tell you that all her sins are forgiven, and that is why she has shown great love. But anyone who has been forgiven for only a little will show only a little love.” Luke 7:47
The footnotes for 1 Kings 19:10 says (NLT), “ Elijah thought he was the only person left who was still true to God. He had seen both the king’s court, and the priesthood become corrupt. After experiencing great victory at Mount Carmel, he had to run for his life. Lonely and discouraged, he forgot that others had remained faithful during the nation’s wickedness. When you are tempted to think that you are the only one remaining faithful to a task, don’t stop to feel sorry for yourself. Self-pity will dilute the good you are doing. Be assured that even if you don’t know who they are, others are faithfully obeying God and fulfilling their duties.”
The footnotes Tammy gave us doubles down on the meaning and reality that our faith when it blossoms Hope appears. Mind power might blink for a moment but as stated, ‘Elijah forgot’“Lonely and discouraged, he forgot that others had remained faithful during the nation’s wickedness.”
But the light of hope broke forth in recalling.