“After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.”
– 1 Kings 19:12. (NIV)

1 Kings 18:20-40 showcases the greatest Bible showdown between the prophets of Baal and God’s prophet, Elijah. The fiery encounter saw a spectacular, supernatural victory that led to national revival. 

In the aftermath, 1 Kings 19 tells us that Jezebel’s intimidating threats unleashed fear in Elijah. He fled for his life and plummeted into depression and entertained suicidal thoughts. Yet God ministered patiently and personally. By providing for his physical needs, God empowered Elijah in supernatural strength to make the 40-day trek to Mount Horeb. There, after the mountains rocked and rolled with earthquake, wind and fire, Elijah heard the gentle whispers (the still, small voice) of God. 

Disappointment with God leads us, like Elijah, to hide in our cave, isolate and stay distanced from others. It is understandable to feel down, discouraged and depressed as we close a difficult year. But whatever our novel experiences and negative emotions in 2020, by being still and small (in humbling ourselves), we will discern the still, small voice of God.

God’s whispers to Elijah promised success and succession. A fresh fire rekindled new purpose and power within him. The prophet’s personal revival refired his spirit in no less a dramatic way as the epic Mount Carmel confrontation. 

For years, I harboured disappointment with God until an appointment with Him in 1995 sparked personal revival leading to ministry revival. That fresh fire twenty five years ago stirred a compassion for Christian lawyers. It led to facilitating a weekly prayer meeting later forming the Lawyers Christian Fellowship now Law Christian Fellowship. The divine flame continues to spread. The Christian law fraternity are God’s flaming fires (Hebrews 1:7). Marketplace ministers called to law as missions.

Are you disappointed with God? God gently corrected Elijah’s “I, even I only am left…” (1 Kings 19:10, 14) by revealing that ministry involves teamwork (1 Kings 19:15-18). Let’s repent of self-importance and spiritual blindness in overlooking other faithful servants of God. God refined Elijah’s purpose in pursuing divine success and succession. May the Lord our God open spiritual eyes with a supernatural 2020 vision.

Will you be still and small in God’s awesome presence this year end to listen to His still, small voice ?