The Invitation: It’s been almost a year since our lives were turned upside down. A year without the usual ways to encourage our faith—in-person church, Bible studies, retreats, hugs, coffees—without some of the common activities God uses to speak to us.
Where was God in the midst of the pandemic, riots, politics, social distancing, and cancellations of events? Did you see Him or hear Him in new ways? Or was He hard to find? Were you ever surprised at how God showed up–or didn’t?
“Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told (Elijah).
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.
—1 Kings 19:11-13 (NLT)
Elijah was surprised by how God spoke to him. Our powerful, majestic God revealed Himself to Elijah in a whisper. One-on-one so that only he could hear. Up close. Personal. And Elijah paid attention.
I think it was the year of the whisper for me. Sometimes I sensed God’s presence right away. Other times I looked back and realized where God had been and how I grew in knowing who He is. We don’t need to remember every detail about this past year, but we do need to remember how God showed up and carried us through a difficult season.
Let’s ask God to reveal a time He whispered during this season. Maybe we were aware of it, or maybe discouragement blocked us from hearing His quiet words. Perhaps we just didn’t recognize Him. Let’s go back
Try it out: Lord, I’m here, waiting for Your whisper. Open my spiritual ears and senses to Your voice. First-of-all, will You whisper my name? (Pay attention to what His whisper says about how He sees you. If nothing comes to mind, ask Him to whisper your name a few more times.)
• Lord, during the past year, whether I was aware of it or not, what is one thing You whispered to me about who You are?
• Where were we when You whispered this?
• Whisper it again to me.
• (Give God a few minutes to whisper anything else that’s on His heart for you, then respond to Him in prayer.)