In pondering the story of Elijah, Jezebel, and the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18-19, I was struck by the fact that Elijah was overrun with the fear of Jezebel’s threats to overtake him and kill him. Her voice grew loud inside of him until it was all he heard, becoming his main focus. He ran for his life, feeling weary, discouraged, and exhausted.
Shortly before this, God had miraculously and powerfully demonstrated to Elijah, the Israelites, and the prophets of Baal that He is the true God. There had been a spectacular showdown between Elijah and the 450 prophets of Baal: Both Elijah and the prophets of Baal were to build an altar and offer an ox as a sacrifice; yet neither was to light the fire to offer their sacrifice. Instead, each would call to his god, and whoseever god answered, burning up the sacrifice, was the True God.Continue reading “The Power of His Whisper”
“Peace Like a River” by Meghan Williams of Dyed4you Art
1 Kings 19:12 (NIV) After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.
One of the questions I get asked the most is, “How do you know you’re hearing God and are in His will?”
I remember personally asking this question so often, and for some reason, nobody could truly answer it. Now I can say I’m so thankful for my own personal journey with Papa and the amazing people He brought into my life that have shown and taught me so much. Regardless of what you’re facing at the moment, allow me to reassure you that you will appreciate the experience later, no matter how painful and difficult it may be. God is using every single situation to teach us and grow us closer to Him.
Now, how do I know I hear God? Peace! That is the answer to everything. It’s really that simple. Unfortunately, as humans, we love to overcomplicate things. Simply put, we have to step out of our comfort zone and trust God to guide us and lead us on the path He’s called us to. When we have that thirsty desire to please God and do His will, we have to take chances. It’s OK to make mistakes, however, we’re also responsible to own up to them and not make excuses or try to defend our actions. Learning how to hear God does mean making mistakes.
A small whisper, a gut feeling, an unexplained knowing—all of this followed by peace is God speaking! Be confident in who you are in the Lord. Don’t listen to the enemy’s lies. He’s the father of lies but we are the righteousness of God through Christ. Refresh your memory with what your true identity is in the Lord. Know that you hear Him. Know that He lives in you and that He will never leave you or forsake you.
John 16:33(NIV) “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Recently, God has been taking me through a season to further cultivate a “listening heart.” I was impacted by the journey of my young friend, Stephen, who is just setting out on the road to law school. His mother told me of the mediation class he took that set him off on this journey. Continue reading “A Listening Heart”
1 Kings 19:4-5 (VOICE) He journeyed into the desert for one day and then decided to rest beneath the limbs of a broom tree. There he prayed that his life would be over quickly and that he would die there beneath the tree. Elijah: I’m finished, Eternal One. Please end my life here and now , even though I have failed, and I am no better than my ancestors. Elijah then laid himself down under the broom tree and entered into a deep sleep. While he was sleeping, a heavenly messenger came and touched him and gave him instructions. Messenger: Get up, and eat.
Sometimes life and circumstances can feel so overwhelming. There are times we are so frustrated that there aren’t words to really express how we feel; we might even get a little dramatic – like Elijah. The beautiful thing is, Elijah wasn’t in some prayer closet on his knees praying “like he should.” He wasn’t moved to speak to God out of religious routine, it was out of relationship – he was just having a conversation out loud with God.Continue reading “Eat, Sleep, and Be Merry”
1 Kings 7:21 (GW) Hiram set up the pillars in the temple’s entrance hall. He set up the pillar on the right and named it Jachin [He Establishes]. Then he set up the pillar on the left and named it Boaz [In Him Is Strength].
Beloved, I establish and I bring strength. I stand fast, and I AM your firm foundation. Trust that I AM building that which is needed for what is to come. I see what lies ahead, and each and every need is accounted for. Rest in Me.
Pillar of truth. Pillar of strength. Unchangeable and unwavering am I. Fully dependable. Wholly reliable. I AM El Elyon, the Most High God. Fully trust in Me.Continue reading “El Elyon (Most High God)”
1 Kings 18:44 (AMP) And at the seventh time the servant said, “A cloud as small as a man’s hand is coming up from the sea.” And Elijah said, “Go up, say to Ahab, ‘Prepare your chariot and go down, so that the rain shower does not stop you.’”
Beloved, step out in faith. Trust that I will meet you there. Know My instructions in your heart, and declare My words with your mouth. Then watch with eager expectation as I bring to fruition the promises at hand.
Refuse to be discouraged regardless how intimidating the foe. As long as you yield to Me, victory is assured. Stand tall in confident assurance, knowing I AM with you. I call you mighty warrior, and the hosts of heaven respond to your lead. Walk in the fullness of the mantle resting on you.
1 Kings 19:11-13 (VOICE) Eternal One: Leave this cave, and go stand on the mountainside in My presence. The Eternal passed by him. The mighty wind separated the mountains and crumbled every stone before the Eternal. This was not a divine wind, for the Eternal was not within this wind. After the wind passed through, an earthquake shook the earth. This was not a divine quake, for the Eternal was not within this earthquake. After the earthquake was over, there was a fire. This was not a divine fire, for the Eternal was not within this fire. After the fire died out, there was nothing but the sound of a calm breeze. And through this breeze a gentle, quiet voice entered into Elijah’s ears. He covered his face with his cloak and went to the mouth of the cave. Suddenly, Elijah was surprised. Eternal One: Why are you here, Elijah? What is it that you desire?
1 Kings 3:10 (TLB) The Lord was pleased with his reply and was glad that Solomon had asked for wisdom.
Beloved, ask Me. Ask Me for wisdom. In the asking you show that you are laying down self-sufficiency and acknowledging your need of Me, which is good both in that it is to your benefit to seek Me, and also in that it is beautiful to My heart when you seek Me and My thoughts and insights.
Yes, My ways are higher and often difficult to understand, but as our intimacy grows I am able to share more and more with you. The question is not whether or not there is more for Me to share with you, but rather how much time do you want to spend with Me for what I have to share is limitless. I love to reveal My mysteries with My trusted and faithful ones who relentlessly seek Me. It is your choice whether or not you want that to be you. [Feeling Him gently smile as He says that.]
1 Kings 3:9 (JUB) Give, therefore, thy slave a hearing heart to judge thy people that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this thy so great a people?
Beloved, like Solomon, desire wisdom. Wisdom to know Me more and to better understand My will and My ways. Wisdom to have a hearing heart – one that knows well My voice. Wisdom to see the ploys of the enemy and be able to thwart them and (when asked) counsel others on how to do the same. Beloved, wisdom is a precious jewel, more valuable than silver and gold, seek it – seek Me.
With wisdom must come humility. Remember the Source of your wisdom and it will be easier to resist the temptation to get puffed up. In humility and wisdom, walk in My ways and share My truths. Be light and salt, by your very life challenging those around you to reject compromise and seek Me with their whole hearts. So ask Me for wisdom, beloved. It will not be denied.
