Relevant Life

When I was younger, I would hear audibly and inner audibly whispers. Some people might think I am strange or have multiple personalities, but it was nothing like that all.  I literally heard soft whispers from God. My family was not religious growing up so my introduction to church life was obsolete, but I somehow knew God was speaking to me.

I remember one particular day when I was about 9 to 10 years old. I was playing outside under a large pecan tree. I often played by myself and was a natural loner although I have three brothers and one sister. I was playing with my matchbox cars and enjoying the use of the tree’s roots as my make shift roads. It was a breezy Georgia afternoon in the fall. The leaves were falling like snowflakes and landing on the ground for permeant rest. It was during this moment I heard a whisper from God. “ I love you my son, I have a purpose for you and you will do great things,” Every time the wind would blow right by my face; I would hear this whisper and voice. It was so real, I remember getting up and looking around to see if someone was calling my name or hiding behind the pecan tree. There was no one of course and I managed to simply stop and heed to the Whisperer’s voice. I have many more experiences like these that I could share. I know now that the Lord was preparing my heart to meet him. 3 years later at the age of 13; I surrendered my life to Him. The Whisper is now a loud and clear voice and God loves speaking to his people.

I think about the story of the prophet Elijah. He had just finished demonstrating the power of God to the people of Israel by seeing fire come down from heaven and consuming the prophets of Baal.  The queen, Jezebel, was furious and put out a hit on Elijah. Elijah loses hope for a brief moment and runs for his life.During his fugitive escape process, He meets up with the Living God. God, in a whisper, asks Elijah why he was not where he was supposed to be.

1Ki 19:9-18  There he went into a cave and spent the night. Then the LORD spoke his word to Elijah. He asked, \”What are you doing here, Elijah?\”  (10)  He answered, \”LORD God of Armies, I have eagerly served you. The Israelites have abandoned your promises, torn down your altars, and executed your prophets. I\’m the only one left, and they\’re trying to take my life.\”  (11)  God said, \”Go out and stand in front of the LORD on the mountain.\” As the LORD was passing by, a fierce wind tore mountains and shattered rocks ahead of the LORD. But the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind came an earthquake. But the LORD wasn\’t in the earthquake.  (12)  After the earthquake there was a fire. But the LORD wasn\’t in the fire. And after the fire there was a quiet, whispering voice.  (13)  When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his coat, went out, and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then the voice said to him, \”What are you doing here, Elijah?\”  (14)  He answered, \”LORD God of Armies, I have eagerly served you. The Israelites have abandoned your promises, torn down your altars, and executed your prophets. I\’m the only one left, and they\’re trying to take my life.\”  (15)  The LORD told him, \”Go back to the wilderness near Damascus, the same way you came. When you get there, anoint Hazael as king of Aram.  (16)  Anoint Jehu, son of Nimshi, as king of Israel. And anoint Elisha, son of Shaphat, from Abel Meholah as prophet to take your place.  (17)  If anyone escapes from Hazael\’s sword, Jehu will kill him. And if anyone escapes from Jehu\’s sword, Elisha will kill him.  (18)  But I still have 7,000 people in Israel whose knees have not knelt to worship Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.\”

God uses this time with Elijah to declare the true state of events. Elijah is told about 7000 people who were devoted to righteousness. He told him about Elijah’s replacement, who was named Elisha. Elijah had lost his way for a brief moment. ( 80 plus miles of traveling in the wrong direction. ) It is easy to lose hope and forget about who is greatly working in your life. Elijah saw God do miracle after miracle but still found time to miss the direction from the Lord.

We do the same thing as believers. We see God do miracles in our lives but the moment a situation happens which is not to our liking. We bail on God and hit the road running. In Elijah’s case, God had to use a gentle whisper to bring him back from the brink. It is important that we stay in God’s presence at all times. Make sure you are listening to the Whispers of God.