After Elijah's great victory over the prophets of Baal, Queen Jezebel sought to kill him. Elijah ran from Queen Jezebel. Elijah, in a moment of weakness, seemed to have forgotten who it was that had given him the victory over the prophets of Baal. He forgot God was by his side and could give him victory even over Queen Jezebel. He felt hopeless. He found himself alone in a mountain cave. But in the midst of his fear and loneliness we read these words in I Kings 19: 11-12,
" The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” 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."
Elijah Had Given Up Hope
Even the mighty prophet of God, Elijah, had low moments. He had come from a "mountain top experience with God", as we often call those victorious moments in our faith journey, to cowering in a cave. Elijah looked for hope. But God had not left Elijah, Elijah had run from God. Even in those low times God was close to Elijah; so close Elijah could hear him in a whisper. Elijah was touched by the small word from God, so much so that he covered his face. God does not need to shout to show His power or his love. Remember he created the world with just a word.
Elijah Was Not Alone
Elijah proceeded to explain to God that he felt like he was the only one left who was loyal to God. How often do we feel like we are the only one who is faithful? God gently explained to Elijah that there are 7,000 others who had not bowed to Baal. Because we can't see faithful followers of Christ doesn't mean they aren't there. God told Elijah that he should anoint Elisha as a prophet in his place. Was it Elijah's fear that caused God to replace him?
Run And Hide
We can't run and hide from God. He seeks His lost sheep and He will find us. He speaks to our hearts, lovingly and gently. He doesn't shout. He wants us to listen for Him. Each of us is important to Him beyond measure.
Listen To The Small Voice
In today's world there is noise everywhere. It truly seems as though the world is trying to drown out that still, small voice that speaks to us. Find time in your daily routine to just be still and listen to that gentle whisper. Turn off the noise and tune into the words that God is whispering to you. God had a job for Elijah and He has a job for us. Listen intently to the sound of soft stillness where God teaches us. Listen to the small voice. Let His words comfort you in the midst of loneliness and despair; let them guide you and give you a hope for tomorrow.
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