THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD'S WAY PART IV

[Randy Smith]

THE CAVE OF WITHDRAWAL PART III

Elijah thought he was the only person left who was still true to God. He had seen both the king's court and the priesthood become corrupt. After experiencing a great victory at Mount Carmel, he had to run for his life. Lonely and discouraged, he forgot that others had remained faithful in the midst of the nation's wickedness. When you are tempted to feel you are the only one remaining faithful to a task, don't stop to feel sorry for yourself. Self pity will dilute the good you are doing. Be assured that even if you don't know who they are, others are faithfully obeying God and fulfilling their duties.

Elijah wanted desperately to see the nation awakened, but he did not understand the role God would have him play. Perhaps Elijah's main mistake was that he was personally shouldering the burden of Israel's revival. Not knowing his own place, he assumed the place of God. Calling Elijah out of the cave, the Lord told him, Go forth, and stand on the mountain before the Lord (v.11 ). As Elijah stepped out of the cave's darkness, an awesome event occurred;

And He said, Go forth, and stand on the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an 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 still small voice ( I Kings 19:11,12 ). The Lord did not reveal Himself to Elijah in the spectacular ways by which He had shown Himself to Moses. To this discouraged, despondent old prophet, God responds in gentleness. Elijah thought he was the only person left who was still true to God. He had seen both the King's court and the priesthood become corrupt. After experiencing great victory at Mount Carmel, he had to run for his life. Lonely and discouraged,he had forgot that others had remained faithful in the midst of the nations wickedness. When you feel you are the only one remaining faithful to a task, don't feel dorry for yourself. Self-pity will dilute the good you are doing. Be assured that even if you don't know who they are, others are faithfully obeying God and fulfilling their duties. Elijah knew that the still small voice was God's. He realized God doesn't reveal Himself only in powerful, miraculous ways. To look for God only in something big (rallies, churches, conferences, highly visible leaders)maybe to miss Him, because He is often found gently whispering in the quietness of a humble heart. Are you listening for God? Step back from the noise and activity of your busy life and listen humbly and quietly for His guidance. It may come when you least expected.