In the message “Touch of Compassion” we saw God’s understanding and mercy as He sent an angel to comfort Elijah during his moment of deepest despair. The angel demonstrated great compassion by offering food to Elijah and helping him regain his strength.
God then sent Elijah on a forty day journey through the desert – a journey which ended at the same mountain where Moses received the Ten Commandments. When confronted by God on the mountain, Elijah honestly expressed his discouragement: “The Israelites have rejected Your covenant…I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too” (1 Kings 19:8).
Elijah felt utterly alone. He understood the holiness of God and how far his people had strayed from God’s path, but he also felt overwhelmed and helpless, unable to make a significant impact on God’s Kingdom. God answered Elijah by calling him to be spiritually revived; “stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord” (1 Kings 19:11).
1 Kings 19:11-13
“Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face.”
Everyone who desires to walk God’s path and serve Him with all their heart will sooner or later relate to Elijah. It’s unfortunate, but many will face Elijah’s overwhelming helplessness time and time again. The mission is simply too great when we only consider our limited ability! But no matter what the problem, God’s solution is always the same: we must come into His presence, be clothed with His strength, and listen intently for His leading.
We often assume that when the Creator of The Universe desires to “speak,” it will be with a thundering call; “Walk this way!!” But God desires for our heart, soul, mind, and strength to be focused on Him; to be free of the clutter and noise – the distractions which tend to “choke the word, making it unfruitful” (Mark 4:19). A major part of God’s calling to all His Children is for us to simply be prepared to truly hear. It is therefore not surprising that God most often speaks in a whisper during the quiet and still moments of our life.
No matter how busy we become, we must set aside time which is quiet and undisturbed, time where we can enter into the presence of God, worship Him, and listen. God desires to encourage us and give us clear direction today. Let’s love Him with all our heart and listen intently for His gentle whisper.
Have a Christ Centered Day!
Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries
**** Reading Plan ****
Dec 5 Hosea 1:1-3:5; 1 John 5:1-21; Psalm 124:1-8; Proverbs 29:5-8
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