April 2012
Dear friends,
Have you ever found yourself waiting? Unsure of the future, insecurities begin to rise and doubts begin to embrace the mind. Fear of failure leaves us not wanting to get started or continue onward. The rest of the world around you seems to be on the upward swing and there you are… just there, feeling discontent and uncomfortable.
In the midst of all the noise and chaos of our emotions, thoughts, and circumstances there is a still small voice that rings out above it all! Over time, God has continually and lovingly put me in places of trial in order to hear Him more clearly. He brings me to the end of myself where I realize once again that my abilities, achievements, talents, relationships, connections, personality have been created by Him and used by Him, but are nothing in and of themselves.
I am a teacher at heart. I love to teach and God continually gives me the energy, inspiration, knowledge and connections to teach well. However, over time, my fleshly nature can begin to persuade me that “I am the one doing such a great job; that I can do this on my own.” Pride puffs itself slowly over time. All God has to do to remind me that He is the One at work in and through me; He allows the connection with the students to wane or become difficult; He allows me to teach in my own strength for a time, leaving me exhausted and discouraged. I do not get far before I realize that within myself, I have nothing to offer without Him; nothing to give without His presence in my life. He is the One who orchestrates all things under His sovereign control for our good and His glory.
In 1 Kings 18, God shows Himself mightily through Elijah. The children of Israel had been influenced and led into Baal worship (a false god) by King Ahab and his wife, Jezebel. Elijah told the king to bring together people from all over Israel along with the prophets of Baal. Elijah put the challenge to them—“How long will you waver between two opinions? If Baal is God, serve him; if the Lord is God, serve Him.” There was not a response from the people, so Elijah commanded for two bulls to be brought for sacrifice, one for a sacrifice to Baal and the other to the Lord. Alters were set up. Elijah told the people that the God who answers by fire is God.
The prophets of Baal took to praying, dancing, and cutting themselves imploring Baal to answer. No answer came! It was then Elijah’s turn. Elijah had the people pour four large jars of water over the sacrificial bull three times so that it was clearly impossible for it to catch fire. Then he prayed. Fire fell from heaven consuming the sacrifice. After this amazing display of God’s power, Queen Jezebel decided to have Elijah killed. Suddenly filled with fear, Elijah ran for his life. Ultimately, he found himself alone in a cave carved into the side of a mountain. He was scared, tired, discouraged, alone, even after God had shown His power mightily through His life just days before.
The Word of the Lord came to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Elijah poured out his thoughts and feelings before the God who understood him better than himself. The Lord then said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” A great powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. Then came fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a still small voice. When Elijah heard it he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. There God spoke with Him, encouraged Him, gave him specific guidance, and empowered him.
Elijah knew that gentle whisper was God’s voice. God does not only reveal Himself in miraculous, powerful ways. To look for Him in something big may be to miss Him all together. He is often found whispering in a humble heart. Step back from the noise and the activity of a busy life and listen humbly and quietly for His guidance.
So, have you ever found yourself waiting? His guidance will come when you least expect it and in a way that glorifies Him and brings goodness and contentment to you. Isaiah 30:15 says, “In repentance and rest is your salvation; in quietness and trust is your strength.” We should lay aside our busy care and endless effort and allow Him to act. We can trust Him and be peaceably confident that He will give us strength to face our difficulties… yes, even in the waiting!
Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you, will carry it onto completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6). So in the waiting, let us listen to His still small voice deep inside our hearts. May we take captive every thought of insecurity, fear, failure, discouragement and make it obedient to Him. “I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
Waiting with you to see His glory!
Recipe of the Month: Carrot Soufflé
1 lb carrots, cooked until soft ¼ cup butter
2 eggs 2 TBSP self-rising flour
¾ cup sugar 1 tsp cinnamon
Mix all in food processor until smooth. Pour in baking dish. Bake at 375 for about 30-40 min or until set in the middle. Kids LOVE this stuff!
Hebrews 13:16 “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”