Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. 1 Kings 19:11-12
Elijah was tired of the challenges of life. He felt rejected and alone in his mission to uphold God’s laws. There was a threat on his life so he ran. He found a cave in the side of a mountain and hid there from his pursuing enemies. Elijah felt a bit hopeless. After he rested there, the Lord told him to get out of the cave and stand on the mountainside because He (God) was going to pass by.
Elijah felt a powerful rock-splitting wind, experienced an earthquake, and saw fire, but God didn’t speak to him through any of those means. God spoke to Elijah in a whisper.
The Lord spoke gently to Elijah. God used quietness to deafen the roaring doubt in Elijah’s mind. He reassured Elijah that he was not alone and that there were more assignments ahead. God gave him the confidence to move forward.
Like Elijah, sometimes we need a personal encounter with God. We need to be reminded the Lord has much more in store for us. Sometimes life seems a bit sketchy and obstacles appear insurmountable. Although God may appear in a dramatic display of power, He shouldn’t need to in order to turn our hearts around.
I believe in the sun, even though it doesn’t shine. I believe in love, even when it isn’t shown. I believe in God, even when He doesn’t speak. ~ Found written on the wall of a concentration camp.
Have you been looking for God to use dramatic signs to remind you of His love and to lead you, or are you listening for His still, small voice? If you ponder a moment, you may recognize this little letter is intended for you and is God’s way of doing both. His ways are interestingly unique but profoundly effective.
Blessings,
Wes