August 24, 2022
And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (1 Kings 19:12-13) ESV.
When Elijah arrived on top of Mount Horeb God asked him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Elijah answered, “I have been very jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away” (v.10). This is not the confident man who confronted a king and the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal. Isn’t it wonderful how gracious God is to Elijah? He tells Elijah to go and stand on the mountain before the Lord.
First, God sends a terrifying storm that rocks the mountain – but God isn’t in the wind. There follows an earthquake and then fire – but God is in neither of them. Lastly, there is a rustling, a small still voice – and there is God. Elijah had witnessed God’s great power when He had swooped down from Heaven and consumed the sacrifice on Mount Carmel. Now God is showing Elijah that He is also the gentle, still, small voice. Elijah needed to encounter God in this intimate way. He needed God to soothe his Spirit. He needed to be refreshed and renewed. Elijah had to stop and listen – it was then that he could hear God’s voice again.
Friends, wherever we find ourselves today, we may need to take time to stop and listen for that still small voice of God. Elijah had to stop running before he could hear from God. We, too, need to come to a place of rest and then wait and listen for the Voice of the Lord. As we wait for Him, He will come to us. He will answer, and He will direct us. The Lord does not always reveal Himself through glitziness; we often hear Him best in the quietness. May we all find our quiet place and listen to the Lord today – let Him share His Heart with us. Would you pray with me?
Dear Heavenly Father, I choose to quiet myself in Your presence. As I wait on You, please reveal Yourself to me. I need to hear Your Voice, Lord. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
God Bless you, and may your day be Blessed, Friends <><
Encouraging Words: Sometimes, when you wonder why you can’t hear God’s Voice during your trials. Remember the Teacher is always quiet during the test <><
Thoughts by Randall Stapleton is a Daily Devotion brought to you by The Bridge - Learn more at https://wearethebridge.org
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