Striking Change

“Then he [Elijah] came there to a cave, and lodged there; and behold the Word of the Lord came to him and He said to him, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’ And he said, ‘I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the sons of Israel have forsaken Thy covenant, torn down Thine altars and killed Thy prophets with the sword. And I alone am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.’ So He said, ‘Go forth, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.’ And behold, the Lord was passing by!

“And a great and strong wind was rending the mountains and breaking in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind and earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake, a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of a gentle blowing. And it came about when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. And behold a voice came to him and said, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’” I Kings 19:9-13

“Apparently the fireball on Mount Carmel had no lasting impact on Elijah either. Terrified for his life, the prophet put forty days’ distance between himself and Queen Jezebel, Ahab’s vengeful consort. And when God next met with Elijah, He did not appear in a fire, or in a great and powerful wind, or in an earthquake. Rather, He came in a whisper, a thin, small voice -- almost like silence – a preview of a striking change to come.” *

Wind, earthquake, fire. Interesting that these immense “natural” elements are chosen. Think of the calm after each one and the relief you feel and sense once they “pass” by. Have you ever had a leader in your life that you followed because you respected the way they followed their vision? How easy it is to forget that God is not our co-pilot but our pilot and WHEN we follow His lead, our lives are a blessing to others, as well as blessed by an increased intimacy with the Father.

Take care to understand His Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New Prayer Requests: Joan caring for her Aunt Marge, who just had a massive stroke – please pray for both. Milly, whose mother is dying in S. Africa. For Jim’s family as he passed away, especially Linda, who has no Comforter in her life. For Di whose brother (55 years old) just passed away suddenly. Fred’s heart surgery. Lavie, whose 28-year old brother died unexpectedly. Sue, not doing well battling paraneoplastic syndrome. Earl, with cancer and Lyle, his brotherm now in Canada, preparing for procedure for bone marrow transplant. Ulfur and David P – for strength to overcome the hold of powerful addictions.

JOB Related: Pray for those seeking work, that they will trust the Lord to be preparing the perfect role for them, even now as we pray: Barb and Carla both having job interviews, but God has not shown them which ones yet; and for Tim (as he supports Barb) who also needs work, and Paul, recently quit his job and is now looking.

Praise: Chris’ father is home and growing stronger. Adrian who has found a job and home. Leslie is doing great with no remaining signs of cancer. David (great health now!); Nancy (with head trauma) dealing with her husband’s pending heart surgery. The other Nancy continues her battle with Ovarian Cancer.

Thanksgiving for: Reg, Carla and Paul.

Continue to pray for: Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma, Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry and Gary. Michael (his mum grows more frail); Randy (unexpected changes in his life). For Kevin (wisdom with his son).


*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey