We must linger
There, he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" He said, "I have been very jealous of the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away." And he said, "Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord." And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke 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 the sound of a low whisper.
1 Kings 19:9-12 (ESV)
1 Kings 19:9-12 (ESV)
God often speaks in a whisper. Those waiting for a loud proclamation can be easily fooled. Elijah knew that God could demonstrate Himself through the spectacular, and perhaps he wanted Him to continue these incredible miracles to affirm his decisions.
Like all people, Elijah needed to learn that God often uses what we consider ordinary or even mundane to communicate and accomplish His purposes.
We must linger in God's presence, not long for His lightning.
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