TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 1 Kings 19:12
Read: 1 Kings 19:11-13
Listen: 1 Kings 19
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Elijah shares his raw emotions with God. He tells the Lord what is bothering him and awaits a response. Rather than answer his concerns immediately, the Lord tells him to stand on the mountain and wait because he will be passing by. Elijah must’ve been thinking as he waited, “What would the Lord look like?” and “How would God approach him?”
Then the wind picks up and is so powerful that it shatters rocks on the mountain. There is an earthquake, and afterward, a fire comes through. Yet despite the great force of the wind, earthquake and fire—the Lord is not in them. God instead comes as a gentle whisper.
It was not an accident God came in a whisper. Big events scream of the immense power of the Lord, but the whisper demonstrates his tenderness and desire to be known.
God wants to meet us where we are and remind us of who he is. Just like he met Elijah where he was, the Lord meets us in big and small ways. Many of us can look back to hearing the right Scripture at the right time, taking in an encouraging word from a strong believer, or seeing through the beauty of creation God’s control. Our big powerful God cares about us enough to whisper. Watch this video clip as Pastor Jeff Manion talks about how God uses those in our lives to remind us of who he is and how he may be pleased to use us to remind others.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Find a quiet place to be alone. Spend a few minutes thinking back to a time when God met you in a small way. If nothing comes to mind right away, ask God to bring to mind little ways he has whispered into your life. Thank God for being one who is both all-powerful and yet cares to whisper.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
