Here, God speaks from the storm.
In 1 Kings 19, God was not in the storm, not in the earthquake, not in the fire - but spoke to Elijah in a still, small voice.
Many times in my life, I have wished for more certainty. I struggle and bumble through what I think God wants, and have wanted a clear voice that says "KELLY, DO THIS" or "KELLY, THE ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTION IS THIS"
Maybe waiting for that clear voice isn't such a good idea. Because I can be sure that whatever God says is not going to be easy or comfortable. And hearing God from a storm sounds terrifying. Even God's speech to Job, which really doesn't contain any new information in this chapter (Job knew God's power and the wonder of creation) was scathing and overwhelming.
Maybe God speaks to us quietly for our own benefit, so we don't crack or break. I wish for more clarity - but am grateful that I have not heard God voice in the whilrwind.
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I like how God has been more patient than everyone else and now humbles Job, so he can truly undertstand that the ways of God are far beyond what any human can grasp, "Where were you when I created the earth? Tell me, since you know so much!"
ReplyDeleteHere's another one that stops me in my tracks, "Do you have one clue regarding death's dark mysteries?" My mom and I talk almost daily about how to move from here into the future without Steve. We know that God continues to give us breath for a reason: to praise him. We know heaven is coming to earth. We know Steve is with God now.
We are fearfully and wonderfully made. Death stings, but its power has been taken away. God is with us and will be by our side from now until eternity.
41 Who provides food for the raven when its young cry out to God and wander about for lack of food?
ReplyDeleteI can point to at least two times in my life where I had clearly reached a crossroad and needed to decide on what direction to take. Each direction would lead me in a different life changing way and I had to choose, what to do? I know now that God had a plan and all I needed was a push down the correct path. What I didn't know at the time was why. Each time this happened I would stop and search for an answer, not directly asking God for an clear direction, just simply trusting the path would clearly show itself. At these times did God speak to me? I don't know for sure, even today, but he surely gave me a firm push in the direction he needed me to go.
Now, what is verse 41 all about? I am sure that I was taught that there was no place for animals in heaven, that they have no concept of God. I hope this verse is true, that even the children of ravens call to God in times of need. God is the creator of all, he loves all, including the smallest creatures. Praise God!
Like Kelly I often want God to speak directly to me in order to give me his counsel and clear direction for my life. There have been many times in the past year that I have asked for just this. And also like Kelly I wonder if I would like the answer and also know that the answer would probably not be what I had in mind.
ReplyDeleteHow then do we listen and follow God? As humans we have free will and think we know what is right. How do we know whether it is God's will for us we are following or our own?
Sometimes I think the answer to that question lies in our happiness and contentment. If we are truly following God's plan won't we be happy and content?
Not real sure if that is true or not. I guess we just keep trying, praying and listening. Its all we can do.