Trusting in the Storms

I can't seem to get 1 Kings 19:11-13 out of my head.  I've been thinking about it for the last couple of days.  Elijah was willing to weather the storms to hear the voice of his God.  Think about these verses.  11 “Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake.  12 And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.  And a voice said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?

Imagine you are in a cave.  The wind is howling, screaming so loudly, moving so violently that the mountain around you is being torn apart.  Trees are being ripped from the ground and thrown like twigs, rocks are breaking into pieces.  On top of that everything is shaking and rolling.  I would think you would be terrified, fearing the collapse of the cave you're in, fearing being buried alive.  Then a roaring fire, scorching the earth around you.  Heat and flames licking at the mouth of the cave, the smoke thick outside, seeping into your hiding place.   Now, think about the God you serve.  Think about His power and might.  He is so awesome and fearful that when He comes close, wind, earthquakes and roaring fire proceed Him.  And yet Elijah still, when all was quiet ventured to the mouth of that cave to see his Lord, to hear his Lord's voice.  Fear gave way to faith.  Self-pity and questions gave way to trust and comfort.  

What are we willing to weather to hear God's voice?  Jeremiah 29:13-14   If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. 14 I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”   Elijah was willing to travel 40 miles and hang out in a cave while the world seemed to come apart around him, just to hear the voice of God.  He sought God with all his heart.  He weathered both internal and external storms.  Fear, doubt, self-pity on the inside, wind, earthquake, fire on the outside and yet Elijah stepped out of the cave to speak with His loving Father.  

Lord, thank You that even when the chaos surround us, You are in the midst.  Your Presence is with us and Your voice calms our hearts.  Help us to listen, to trust and to walk in faith.  In Jesus' mighty name.  Amen.

Be still and know that He is God.