Stop And Listen!

In 1 Kings 19, Elijah fled to Horeb, to the mountain of God, hid in a cave, attempting to flee from Jezebel; he was on the run for his life. Tired, worn out, and hungry he sat alone in the cave; the last thing he'd eaten was a bread cake the Lord had prepared for him; the last thing he had requested is that he might die...that the Lord might take his life.

Though I've never fled from an evil, blood thirsty, queen, I have faced many battles with a similar blood thirsty adversary (the devil) and knew I couldn't go back...but (unfortunately) lacked the strength to move forward...Ever face similar struggles?

In situations like that...nothing satisfies except an encounter with the Living GOD.

When I find myself burdened, weighted, weary, and exhausted, I tend to search for God in the miraculous, wanting Him to shout His will from heaven, or to appear in a burning bush.

Elijah was no different...his desperate plea was the same...I JUST CAN'T GO ON! Speak Lord or just let me die! His past encounters with God no longer sufficed...He needed GOD...and he needed HIM NOW!

And...God graciously appeared to him...

But God wasn't found in the wind that blew so fiercely breaking pieces of the rocks of the mountain, nor was He found in the earthquake or the fire that blazed after...God revealed His voice in the gentle whisper that followed...

When confusion fogs our vision, chaos interrupts our mission, and calamity presents itself in every step of our journey...we have no choice but to STOP...WAIT...AND LISTEN! God is speaking but we have to get past the storms that break up our security, the earthquakes shaking loose all our well-laid plans, and the blazing fire of adversity attempting to destroy the foundations of our faith, and patiently listen for the still soft voice God promises will lead us.

Isaiah 30:20-22 says, "Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." (NIV)

Want good news?

Though Elijah's circumstances didn't change immediately ... God DID appear to Elijah and provided him with clear direction. God's word strengthened Elijah, equipped and empowered Him to press on, and filled with Him with HOPE.

FRIEND...GOD is our firm foundation, our hope and strength, our deliverance! Apart from Him we can do nothing...BUT...with HIM...ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE! He longs to speak to you. Will you incline your heart toward Him, listen intently, and receive HIS LIFE, HOPE and PEACE?

Jeremiah 29:12-13 says, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." (NIV)

Join me today, stop what you're doing and listen intently! God is near!

PRAYER: Father, help me to never be so distracted by life’s events or the premise of how I think you should speak, that I somehow miss Your voice. I am weak. I am weary. BUT I WILL WAIT ON YOU. Speak Lord; I need to hear Your voice. Guide me. Teach me. Strengthen me. IN JESUS NAME, amen!