Creator, Father, King #114

After the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper.

ELIJAH WAS ONE OF Israel’s greatest prophets.

For many years, he courageously proclaimed God’s truth to Israel in the midst of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel’s wicked idolatry. God did some astounding miracles through him, too, including a successfully predicted drought (1 Kings 17:1), raising a boy from the dead (17:17-24), and the remarkable fire-from-heaven showdown with 450 prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (18:17-40).

But now Elijah was on the run.

Jezebel had threatened his life, and rather than trust God, Elijah bolted—hundreds of miles, in fact—to Mount Sinai.

“What are you doing here, Elijah?” God asked him.

“The people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too,” he said, in a bit of a pity party (1 Kings 19:10).

Suddenly, one by one, a supernatural windstorm, earthquake, and fire appeared before Elijah—each awesome in power. But God wasn’t in any of them. Then everything grew eerily quiet. And in the stillness, the stubborn, bewildered prophet heard a small, hushed voice.

“What are you doing here, Elijah?”

The Lord God Almighty was speaking to him in a whisper.

What’s It Mean?

Elijah had witnessed God’s power in incredible ways. But when his faith was at an all-time low—he even wanted to die (1 Kings 19:4)—God didn’t wow him with miracles. He whispered in his ear.

“Elijah, stop feeling sorry for yourself. I’m not always going to get your attention through great wonders. Sometimes, you’re going to have to listen for my quiet voice. Trust in me. I am always with you. Now I have more for you to do. Are you ready to listen and obey?”

This story has much to teach us today. God is still fully capable of grabbing our attention with fire from heaven. But mostly, he speaks to us through his Word and the gentle inner “whisper” of his Holy Spirit. We need to stop running and listen to his voice.

Maybe, like Elijah, you are feeling alone, abandoned, and hopeless. But remember, God is always with you (Deuteronomy 31:6). He might not reveal himself visibly. But if you are his child, his Spirit lives inside you.

Listen for his voice. Heed his beautiful, gentle whisper. You are never alone.

Now What?

Feeling alone like Elijah? Pray! God promises you will find him when you “look for me wholeheartedly” in prayer (Jeremiah 29:13).

Did You Know?

Elijah (and Moses) briefly returned from the dead during Jesus’ Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-13). Whoa!