Keep Listening

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God 

You wouldn’t have expected to see him there - in a cave miles away from home. But there he was, trying to warm himself. Fresh on his mind was Queen Jezebel and her violent threats against him. By then, it seems Elijah had forgotten the spectacular miracle on Mt. Carmel and the victory gained there. At the moment, he was hiding in fear. [Read 1 Kings 19]

I hate to admit it, but I’ve been in that cave before, and pretty much for the same reason. God came through with an answered prayer leaving me nearly breathless. But soon afterward, a little sign of trouble popped up and I became an emotional train wreck. Instead of sleeping soundly, my mind tossed back and forth… will He help me? 

Elijah’s first mistake (and one of ours too) was to believe he had the only pure heart before God. That kind of pride often leads to those hated feelings of fear, loneliness, and discouragement. As he waited, God came to Him. But first, there was a powerful wind. Then, a mighty earthquake. Then fire. God always shows up in fire, doesn’t He. Not this time! Finally, in a whisper, a still, small voice, it was God, and the prophet sensed it. 

God could, if He wanted to, merely snap His fingers and, POOF!, all your problems disappear. Perhaps as He so lovingly did with Elijah, God allows the wind to blow, the earth to quake, and the fire to fall to get our full attention. When that happens, remember you have a loving heavenly Father who desires that you draw close to Him. So, worship Him. And be sure to tell Him that you’re listening for His voice.

When thoughts of fear surround your life, remember, God is still on the throne. 

When Elijah heard [the still, small voice], he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. 1 Kings 19.13