1 Kings 19:11a The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by….”
Our God is mighty and powerful, so I always find this verse fascinating for a number of reasons: One: God told Elijah that He was about to pass by. That kind of announcement doesn’t often happen, but God knew what Elijah needed in his despair. Two: There were three separate, mighty events that occurred directly after God’s pronouncement (powerful wind, earthquake, fire), but the Lord wasn’t in any of those mighty acts. (Well, He was because He is the God of all creation, but what He knew Elijah needed in his despair wasn’t one of those.)
1 Kings 19:11b …Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake.
Three: The Lord showed up, passed by, in a gentle whisper. It might have been completely missed had Elijah not been paying attention (because the Lord gave him a heads up to keep watch). The Lord knows Elijah. He knows what Elijah needs to be ok in this moment, and He shows up to Elijah in that gentle way to renew his spirit.
1 Kings 19:12a After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire….
Lord, How often do I miss you passing by because I am on the lookout for the big, mighty appearances. Thank You that You also show up in the gentle whispers. Help me to train myself to look for You, to see You, everywhere. Thank You that You whisper to my heart so often during our mornings together. Amen.
1 Kings 19:12b …And after the fire came a gentle whisper.
Have a blessed day.