In this passage we find Elijah wrestling with God. He’d just defeated the prophets of Baal. He had just called for God to stop the rain, God did. He then called for God to give the rain. God did. But when Jezebel vows to kill him, he runs and hides in a cave and wails that he’s all alone in the world and seeks direction from God. A fire rages! But that’s not God. A storm pounds his cave, but that’s not God. Then a quiet breeze Brings God’s word to him.
He was expecting God’s wrath! He received God’s encouragement. He was expecting a thunderous proclamation of judgment he got a gentle instructions. Like Elijah, many of us are much harder on ourselves than God is. We expect condemnation, and much like the prodigal son returning to the loving father, we find hope, acceptance, and love. I’ve found that the ultimate answer to life’s downturns is rediscovering God’s infallible Word. Elijah needed a gentle word of reassurance, a gentle whisper. The same whisper comes to us as we open the Scripture.”
Jesus said, “Come to me all of you who are weary and wounded.” Are you burned out with life, religion, responsibility, and difficult relationships? Do you feel that everything has turned south? Are you alone in your cave of despair like Elijah? “Come to me all of you who are weary and wounded, and I will give you rest.”
Listen for God’s still, small voice: “I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord; plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Chuck
“Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill you lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.” Colossians 3:16