God's still, small voice

    In 1 Kings 18 the prophet Elijah experiences a major victory over the prophets of Baal. He sends out a challenge to the children of Israel to either follow Baal or to follow the Lord their God. He instructs the 450 prophets of Baal to build an altar to their god, sacrifice a bull on it and call on him. He in turn would build an altar to his God, sacrifice a bull on it and call on his God. Whichever god answered by fire, would be the true and living God. 
    The prophets of Baal did as instructed and called on their god but nothing happened. Elijah did the same, even going as far as to cover his altar and sacrifice with water. He called on the Lord God and the fire of the Lord fell and consumed everything, even the water. The people had no choice but to acknowledge their God as God. Elijah in turn ordered the slaughter of the 450 prophets of Baal. 
    However, in 1 Kings 19, when queen Jezebel hears about it, she threatens Elijah’s life (v.2). He becomes afraid and runs for his life. But God sustains him on his journey with food and water and leads him to a cave where He speaks to him (v.13). 
    Elijah is afraid and discouraged and asks God to take his life. He complains to God that His people, Israel, have rejected His covenant, torn down his altars, killed all His prophets and are seeking to kill him as well. God in turn directs him to stand on the mountain in His presence because He is about to pass by (v.11).
    After that, three interesting things happen: a mighty wind, an earthquake, and fire. The wind is so strong that it tears the mountain apart then, an earthquake and fire follow. Yet, the Bible says that the Lord was in none of these things. Instead, Elijah heard a still, small voice or as one translation puts it, a gentle whisper (v.12). There are those who have interpreted this experience to mean that sometimes we can miss God’s voice because we are expecting Him to manifest in some mighty way. I agree but something else comes to mind. Elijah knew God’s voice. God did not come to him in a way that would scare him. God knew he was discouraged. He was not going to discourage him further. God knew Elijah needed comfort and assurance. The still, small voice was sufficient for this task. God did not need to show Elijah His might and power, but His love.
    God knows what we need when we need it. If we need love, patience, support, understanding, He will respond accordingly. God is a personal God and He is interested in having a relationship with us. He wants us to trust Him, to depend on Him, to know that He is there with what we need, when we need it. 
    If you have not accepted Jesus Christ into your life as your personal Lord and Saviour, I encourage you to do so today. God sees, He knows and He cares. When He comes to you, He comes equipped with what you need because He is concerned about every area of your life. Trust that God understands and trust that His treatment of you will always be based on His love for you. Be encouraged!
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