Feb 11

 
And behold, the Lord was passing by! And a great and strong wind was rending the mountains and breaking in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of a gentle blowing. 1 Kings 19: 11b-12.

Elijah had witnessed the awesome power of the Lord as fire was called down to consume the altar, the wood and stones and even the water in the trench. Baal and all of his prophets were utterly defeated. Yet, we know that the Lord understands the weakness of His servants. It is often true that the triumphs of the Lord in our lives are followed by a period of doubt on our part. Elijah was greatly afraid and he ran for his life to escape the threats of Jezebel. Twice an angel would come to him and offer food and drink. Elijah hid in a cave, but the word of the Lord called out to him “What are you doing here, Elijah?” We are reminded of God calling to Adam, “Where are you?”

There is no rebuke or chastisement on the part of the Lord. He is bent only upon the restoration and nurture of His servant. Elijah is showing the weaknesses that plague our human nature, and God has chosen to work with that nature as it remains. It is never to be repaired or improved, it is only to be yielded to God for His use. He will place Himself within us to accomplish His goals.

So we see Elijah beholding the strong wind, the earthquake, and the fire, but the Lord is not in them. God is not choosing to demonstrate His judgment and wrath by moving mountains or destroying His creation. No, He is just willing to speak to us in a gentle breeze. It is the still, small voice within that gets our attention. This is the work of the Holy Spirit in His patience and infinite mercy. He totally understands our weakness. Again, the Lord asks, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

Is it not true that our best answers come as we are asked to reflect upon what we have done? A direct attack or accusation about our shortcomings and failures will often cause us to rebel and withdraw. But an appeal to our inner man, the spirit within that seeks only to respond to the will of God, will ultimately reveal the answer and the solution to our problem. So it was with Elijah. He accepted God’s explanation of the future—that there were still 7000 in Israel who would not bow down to Baal. He went on to anoint Elisha and to allow his ministry to him. God always looks out for His servants.

Today, Lord, as I venture into this world, there will be opportunities that You provide to witness Your strength. I know also that there will be chances for my weakness to show. Don’t let it get in Your way, but I pray that those weaknesses, turned over to You, can be used to bring glory to Your name.

Additional reading. ! Kings, chapters 18 and 19.
                                        Back