Get in God's presence
I couldn’t see the message in the mirror until it fogged up.
Our oldest daughter Kyla had written something in the glass above the sink. I smiled when I saw the heart around her name.
Years ago, when I first discovered how to leave a message on the mirror, I was quite fascinated. The idea that something I’d written could exist, yet remain invisible until the conditions in the room were just right, intrigued me.
Walking around in a fog, in this case, was a good thing. It made the message come to life.
Similarly, in our walk of faith, when things get foggy and cloudy, the conditions are just right to receive a message from the Lord. When we don’t know what to do next and are unclear about how we’ll make it out of a situation, the Lord has the power to make His word clear.
He did this for the prophet Elijah according to 1 Kings 19.
After Elijah had boldly made a mockery of the false prophets of Baal and executed them in the presence of King Ahab (See 1 Kings 18), everyone who saw it was in awe of the God of Israel. Once Ahab told his wicked wife, Queen Jezebel, all Elijah had done, she was furious and was set on getting revenge. This devious woman had no respect for God and vowed to kill Elijah within 24 hours.
He was terrified.
Despite the fact that God had just revealed His amazing power by bringing fire from heaven to consume Elijah’s sacrifice in the previous chapter, the prophet was totally fearful of Jezebel. Instead of exhibiting the confidence David had as he stood before Goliath, Elijah choked. Rather than saying, The very God that revealed Himself before the false prophets of Baal will do the same thing before wicked Queen Jezebel, Elijah panicked.
He ran deep into the desert, hoping to spare his own life. Fear and discouragement got the best of him. He was so messed up, he actually wanted to die. He asked God to kill him.
Clearly, Elijah felt alone and doomed.
Friend, you can be anointed and battle-weary. You can love God and know His power is real, and still feel too weak to carry on. You can witness a miraculous breakthrough in one area and struggle intensely in another area. The Lord can use you in a mighty way to encourage others, and yet, when the storms of life hit, they can make you feel like you won’t make it through.
That’s how Elijah felt, but God had a plan and a clear word. After his emotional breakdown, the Lord told Elijah, “Go out and stand at the mountain before the Lord. The Lord is passing by.”
When Elijah obeyed and waited for revelation and manifestation, the Bible says, a very strong wind tore through the mountains and broke apart the stones.
Was that God? No. Not yet. God wasn’t in the wind. So Elijah waited some more. Then, there was an earthquake, but, it was another false alarm. The Lord wasn’t in the earthquake. After that, there was a fire, but nope, the Lord wasn’t in the fire. Finally, there was a whisper, thin and quiet. It was a still, small voice. This time, it was God revealing Himself!
Elijah's dire circumstances made the conditions just right for him to hear a word from God. He got in the presence of the Lord and that's where he received the revelation he needed to continue going.
It is only in God's presence that you and I can receive clarity, direction and insight in foggy, and cloudy circumstances. It is only by His spirit that we can hear a still, small voice when the noisy distractions of life grow deafeningly loud.
His presence is what we need.
I know the overwhelmingly negative voices that come against your faith are strong, but don’t let them drown out God’s still, small voice. The “expert opinions” that contradict God’s infallible word are powerful, but don’t let them drown out God’s still, small voice. The threats and attacks of the enemy are numerous, but again, don’t let them distract you from God’s still, small voice.
Once Elijah heard God, he received clear instruction and encouragement. Though he had been feeling like he was the only prophet of God left, that's when the Lord told Elijah there were 7,000 others who were still alive and had not bowed down to Baal.
Apart from God, there was no way for Elijah to know that. That's why the enemy doesn't want you in the presence of God, because that is where you receive revelation.
Satan can't do anything with a convinced, empowered, faith-filled Believer, strengthened by the power of God.
So get in position. Get in God’s presence. As the saying goes, “He who kneels before the Lord, can stand before anyone.” As I like to say, when life trips you up, down on your knees is the way to get back on your feet.
When you get in position, which is in God’s presence, you will hear Him whispering in a still, small voice, saying, you are not alone. I am with You. I will take care of you. I will bring you out. The enemy will not triumph over you. You are victorious. Hang in there.
His presence is what makes the difference.
To remind you to be diligent in your pursuit of God, I’m stirring Jeremiah 29:13 NIV into your cup of inspiration, which says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
As you drink down the contents of your cup, you will be reminded that His presence unlocks the door that leads to revelation, manifestation, favor and blessings.
Psalm 16:11 ESV says, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Now let’s pray.
God, this season of testing is difficult, but I know it’s working for my good. Please help me to go through it with a good attitude, knowing that, if You allowed it, You have empowered me to handle it. In the end, I believe I will be better equipped to fulfill my predestined purpose. In all things, I fully trust in Your purpose and plan for my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
If you need prayer, don't hesitate to request it. I would be honored to stand in faith with you. I know that prayer works. CLICK HEREto learn how to submit your prayer request.
