PRESENCE
(DAY 5 of 7) Ronald Peña
“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. 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. 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?” - 1 Kings 19: 11-13 NLT
Think
Earth, Wind, and Fire, as we all know, is one of the most respected bands in recent history. Song after song, we can feel the vibrations in our bones and the excitement in our souls every time we listen. You see, our flesh is always seeking excitement and the next big thing; something that will woo us off our feet.
What I have come to realize is that God more often than not speaks in the natural. We can look back at this story and ask Elijah, “How in the world didn’t you cover your face during the Earth, Wind, and Fire?” At times, I've found myself wanting God to speak to me through an audible voice or a major event, leaving me with no other response but to trust that it was from God. But what I've come to learn is that when I do that, I'm limiting the way the presence of the Lord wants to reach me. I’m placing God in a box that He is never meant to be in.
What I have come to realize is that God more often than not speaks in the natural. We can look back at this story and ask Elijah, “How in the world didn’t you cover your face during the Earth, Wind, and Fire?” At times, I've found myself wanting God to speak to me through an audible voice or a major event, leaving me with no other response but to trust that it was from God. But what I've come to learn is that when I do that, I'm limiting the way the presence of the Lord wants to reach me. I’m placing God in a box that He is never meant to be in.
Act
As I drew closer to God and His character, I was able to tune into the whisper. No longer seeking the wow moment but yearning for that small whisper that lets me know He is close by. A great reminder that God seeks intimacy with us. As He knows every part of us, He desires that we would know every part of Him. So, draw near to him. Let the Earth, Wind, and Fire fade, and the whisper be what you seek above all else.
Pray
Dear God, thank you for the miraculous we see all around us! I am constantly in awe of your glory and majesty. But today I am seeking your presence like never before, through a whisper. Speak to me, Father. I want to hear your voice. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Worship
Spend some time worshiping the Lord.
Come back tomorrow for day 19!