The attitude of listening
Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. 1 Kings 19:11-12
Elijah, from the text was running from Jezebel who threatened to kill him. This was after that God used him mightily to defeat Baal’s prophets. This was the moment where he was so discouraged that he hid in the cave and asked God to take him away. Instead, God commanded him to get out from the cave and to stand before Him. There were several events that took place such as the strong wind, destructive earthquake, and powerful wildfire. God’s voice was not heard through these natural occurrences. It was through a gentle whisper that God spoke to Elijah and assured him of His presence. In our time, there are too many competing voices that will try to grab your attention and distract you from hearing God. These voices were so loud that they can cause division and destruction. Christians should be aware how to discern the message that comes from God because God indeed speaks. You need to hear Him if you want to be victorious in your Christian life. It is time to be still and listen to His voice. “You must all be quick to listen and slow to speak” (James 1:19). When Elijah let God speak while he calmed his heart, he was able to hear God. What are the things that take away your attention and prevent you from listening to God? Are you the one who is just talking that you don’t have the time to listen? Do not let yourself get to the point of spiritual emptiness that you do not have the strength to discern God’s voice. In words of gentleness and kindness and not in hurried moments that God speaks. “Be still, and know that I am God!” (Psalm 46:10).
Blessings.