Hear. God. in. the. whispers.
The story behind the story of what God is still doing in my life is in the post titled "The God Who Heals!" (to read it, click on the label The God Who Heals at the end of this post) That post is a summary of part of my healing journey. If you are new to this blog, it is simply a collection of vulnerable moments met by a personal God. He met me through songs, friends, being alone, and passages of Scripture . No matter your story, God wants to bring healing to you through His love for you, His Word, His forgiveness, His acceptance, and His character.
As I look back over nearly 10 years, I can see that God was preparing me for not only my own future, but so I could encourage others. Right now I have several suffering friends. The same truth from 10 years ago comforts me now, and I hope it will comfort you.
I am different now, a testimony to God continually pursuing me. His grace has lead me to His Word and His promises. One of the stormiest seasons started in 2016 when we said goodbye to my brother unexpectedly. The following post was written about Elisha not wanting Elijah to leave. Even as I read it now, it still comforts me. As we all know, the ache of goodbyes linger. Whatever or whoever you are letting go of today, may you
Hear. God. in. the. whispers.
Elijah got "depressed," and right after an awesome miracle of fire consuming his drenched alter before 450 prophets of Baal! He said "I have served God and I alone am left." 1 Kings 19:10, but in verse 12 "...there was the sound of a gentle whisper..." God is here! Even when we don't sense Him, we can get still. We must get still. And we must believe He is the same God yesterday, today and tomorrow, and HE alone can "re-charge" us! ♥ And He will make a way to comfort us.
I used to tell my kids when they were completely exhausted from the demands of life that I was praying "Elijah" rest over them. Elijah was so tired and afraid and discouraged. And look how gentle our mighty God was with Elijah...
"He was not in the wind, He was not in the earthquake, He was not in the fire, but "after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it He wrapped his face in his cloak..." then the Lord spoke.
Ahhhh how that soothes me. The Almighty gently whispers to us, press on. Keep listening...
He. is. here.
May 12, 2010
Elisha knew his best friend Elijah was leaving soon, and he didn't want Him to go! That's how I see it!!
Yesterday when my brother was leaving after an overnight visit, I said, "I hate goodbyes!" My brother turned around and said, "it won't take long" with a smirk. It was a play on words, it literally takes a minute. But the ache lingers. I have a high level of separation anxiety and great sadness with goodbyes.
At age 43, I still get a lump in my throat when family/friends leave to go back to Cincinnati! 2 hours away! And I get more than a lump in my throat at long distances, northern Ohio, Texas, Iowa! It's just the way I am! If you are clinging to something/someone," let go and let God!" He wants to be there for us!
As I thought about that, I remember reading about Elisha and Elijah! The passage below shows Elisha not wanting to loose Elijah. But notice! In verse 13, right after the chariot took Elijah to heaven, Elisha picks up his cloak and strikes the water.
He says "Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?" AND THEN THE RIVER DIVIDED! AND THE PROPHETS EXCLAIM "Elisha has become Elijah's successor!"
It really struck me that God did not wait to show Himself to Elisha at such a tender/scary moment. If you are feeling lost today, ask Him to show Himself. It may come in unsuspecting ways, a text from a friend, the calming of an anxious heart...
Read the whole passage of 1 Kings 2:6-13 below if you have time, it's really amazing! But the best part is what we already know, GOD IS RIGHT HERE, RIGHT AWAY! Not always that noticeable! But even when we can't see His work, He is right there, and already doing a work! What a neat peak at God's sweet tender side to come to Elisha right away!
If you can't see God today, press on. I will pray that you may be able to sing praises. Psalm 22:3 says, "He inhabits the praise of His people." On my most miserable days, by the grace of God I still tried to write out a verse or two from Psalm 119. I had to cling whether I felt Him or not. And now I can see the light.
Third Day, Still Listening
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFK21OyntuI&list=PLA7BC1C03C8F2FA37&index=5
Hillsong, New Wine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ozGKlOzEVc
Cory Asbury, Endless Alleluia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XI-nkc4xqHM
Scripture passage is 1 Kings 2:6-13
"Then Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, for the Lord has told me to go to the Jordan River.”
"Then Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, for the Lord has told me to go to the Jordan River.”
But again Elisha replied, “As surely as the Lord lives and you yourself live, I will never leave you.” So they went on together...11 As they were walking along and talking, suddenly a chariot of fire appeared, drawn by horses of fire. It drove between the two men, separating them, and Elijah was carried by a whirlwind into heaven. 12 Elisha saw it and cried out, “My father! My father! I see the chariots and charioteers of Israel!” And as they disappeared from sight, Elisha tore his clothes in distress.
13 Elisha picked up Elijah’s cloak, which had fallen when he was taken up. Then Elisha returned to the bank of the Jordan River. 14 He struck the water with Elijah’s cloak and cried out, “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” Then the river divided, and Elisha went across.
15 When the group of prophets from Jericho saw from a distance what happened, they exclaimed, “Elijah’s spirit rests upon Elisha!”
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