Megan Evans, Women’s Ministry Director, LHBC
1 Kings 19: 11-12
11 And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks 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. 12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper.
Are you waiting for God to show up in a big way today? Understandably, we often look for our big God to answer with a big display of His power and presence. Sometimes He does for sure, but this passage reminds us to also listen for the small and quiet ways He speaks too.
The angel of the LORD sent Elijah on a journey of forty days and forty nights up to Mt. Sinai, the mountain of God (1 Kings 19:8). Once there he found a cave in which to spend the night. The next day the LORD told Elijah to go out stand before him. This is the point most of us would expect a big mountaintop experience. “Alright God I’m ready, Do your thing!” However, God was not in the great and strong wind that tore the mountains and broke the rocks. God was not in the earthquake, nor the fire. Instead, it was the sound of a gentle whisper that followed. When Elijah heard it, he recognized that was the sound of God’s voice and covered his face in his cloak (1 Kings 19:13).
In our busy world today, are we listening for God? Do we allow our time and attention to focus on God’s voice? I am convicted often of how easy it is today to tune out God in an attempt to stay connected to our world. Hurry and hustle keeps us moving faster than the still small voice of the Holy Spirit. Busyness keeps us focused on our routine rather than God’s appointments. Zoning out on technology keeps us disengaged with the world around us. Lord, lead us to stay connected to you each day.
God still does amazing, attention grabbing miracles. He still surprises us with moments of breathtaking wonder and awe. Every day we can also listen to God speak through His Living Word and discern through the guidance of His Holy Spirit who indwells us. Hebrews 1:1-5 reminds us, Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. John 14:26 encourages us, But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Are you standing before the Lord today? Will you hear His whisper?
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father God, we fall down before you today in worship. You are Mighty God and we praise you. You are God of the mountain tops and God of the valleys. You are found in both the loud and the quiet. Direct our heart to hear your gentle whispers as well as the earth that shakes. In Jesus Name, Amen.
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Psalm 96:4- For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised;
He is to be feared above all gods.