(Story based on 1 Kings 19)
As he walked to the mountain, his mind raced through the events of the past week. Elijah had witnessed God’s infinite power through His flaming acceptance of his offering just days before. As he watched the prophets of Baal meet their death, there was no doubt that God’s presence was oh so very close. Elijah spoke for Him. Elijah followed His commands even when what was asked of him seemed life threatening.
Yet, here he walked. Alone. Discouraged to the point of death. As he made his way to Mount Horeb, he practiced his overwhelming plea for guidance. With each step, he mentally reviewed the queen’s threat on his very life. That fear drove him to this lonely place. Deserted physically. Deserted emotionally.
How could the same man see God so closely one moment and feel so deserted the next? Not that you or I have ever done much of the same thing. No…surely not.
“Why are you here Elijah?” God asked.
For you see, God protected Elijah while he searched for Him, even if Elijah was looking in all of the wrong places. Not that you or I would ever do that. Oh no – we never walk around, holding our heart in our hands so close, that we fail to see God holding us in that very moment. Before we have our answers, God is present. Before we walk a single step, God is lighting our path.
During Elijah’s encounter with God, he experienced His presence in a way he would never forget. No, God was not in the earthquake. No, God was not in the fire. But Abba passed by in a gentle, ordinary wind.
Perhaps the same wind that gently brisked over Elijah during his journey.
Perhaps the same gentle whisper that filled Elijah’s heart with confidence with each bucket of water dumped on his offering just days earlier.
Perhaps the same wind that Elijah had felt so many times in his life, yet ignored.
Have you felt that wind?
The more intentional moments we stop and wait for our Abba, the easier it will be to feel the wind – especially when we miss His touch. Once you experience His presence and allow Him to hold you simply in His arms, you want more. You miss the warmth, you long for the acceptance and you crave the security.
I’ve missed the wind so many times because I’m too busy looking at my bruised heart to feel His healing hands.
Why are you here today? Have you missed His gentle wind while looking for security in the wrong places? It’s never too late to just stop, rest and feel the His presence around you right now. Just start looking at the right place.
His whisper for you today my friend:
My child, don’t worry about anything; instead, pray (talk to Me) about everything. Tell Me what you need, and thank Me for all I have done (remember how I came through for You time after time before). Then you will experience My peace, which exceeds anything you can understand. My peace will guard your heart and mind My child, as you live in Me. (Philippians 4:6, 7 NLT)
Have you taken the time to experience His presence today? Remember His voice, feel His wind and as you go together throughout your day, be on the lookout to experience it again and again.
