God makes His presence felt. He tries to draw the attention of His children. Elijah was a man of great accomplishment. For the Nation of Israel, he demonstrated that God who answers by fire is the true God. (I Kings 18:24) Yet he did not know how to go ahead with the ministry. His great faith became a victim of fear, the fear of death. (I Kings 19:2) Fleeing for his life, he contemplates and seeks death from God. Nevertheless, God, who answered by fire to the Nation, spoke in a whispering voice to Elijah. (I Kings 19:11-13)
Strong winds: Boats and ships could be overturned by strong winds. When strong winds blow over the land, it breaks rocks into pieces. The disciples were afraid of strong winds, even when the Lord Jesus was sleeping in the boat. (Matthew 8:23-27) Strong winds prepare people of God to listen to the voice of God.
Earthquake: The world turns upside down because of an earthquake. Prison doors were open when there was an earthquake in Philippi. (Acts 16:26) There are occasions God allows earthquakes in our personal lives, so that disciples are prepared to listen to the whispers of God. Emotional turmoil is like earthquakes.
Fire: God is a consuming fire. (Exodus 24:17) Trials and tribulations are tests of fire that refine a disciple’s faith, like that of gold. That was the experience of Job. (Job 23:10)
Whispers: God used strong winds, earthquakes, and fire to prepare Elijah to listen to His voice. Anxiety, fears, past experiences, worries, threats, persecution, losses, pain, agony, sickness…could create noises, but also transform a person to become a good and active listener to God’s gentle voice.
Go ahead: Elijah thought bringing down fire from heaven would solve all national spiritual problems. When it did not, as he expected, he was depressed. God spoke to Elijah to give a new direction for his life and ministry. Past victories are neither guaranteed for future success, nor for direction for future missions. Like Elijah, all disciples need to hear His voice in every step and turn.
Do I hear His whispers daily?