Advent DevotionalSample

The Story of Elijah

At this point in Elijah’s story, we see him exhausted and a little on edge. He just performed several works for the Lord, but a lot of people still wanted to kill him. He retreats to Horeb, the mountain of God, where God finds him.

God asks Elijah what he was doing, and Elijah launches into a pity party. In his eyes, he’d done all of this stuff for God but hadn’t received the results he expected. God tells Elijah to walk out of the cave to see His presence. As he does, Elijah experiences all sorts of supernatural events. The wind came and tore the mountain apart, but it wasn’t God. There was an earthquake, but it wasn’t God. A pillar of fire passes by, but it wasn't God. Finally, God reveals Himself in a quiet whisper.

These supernatural events reminded Elijah of the power of God, but what Elijah needed was the quiet voice of God. A lot of times, we want and expect God to show up in a powerful, supernatural way. Like Elijah, we think a mighty move of God is confirmation of His presence; but what we need is the quiet whisper to our soul to remind us that God is with us.

Reflect

It's easy to imagine that a move of God is monumental and instantly life changing, but sometimes what God needs to do is speak to us. How have your expectations of God showing up differed from how He showed up? In what area of your life do you need to hear God’s quiet whisper?

Pray

Lord, so often I focus on my way of doing things. I think my way of You showing up is better. The truth is, You know exactly what my heart needs. Thank You for how You’ve met me in my frustration, loneliness, and unmet expectations. Lord, would You continue to reveal Your presence to me when I’m at my lowest and greatest moments. Amen.