It is the Sense of Grace that comes to us in Silence

We live in a world where expectations of news come through what we see, hear, or experience; sometimes with fearful results or unexpected surprises that we may not want to see, hear, or experience. When Elijah was told to go to the entrance of the cave; the Lord said , “Go outside and stand on the mountain before the Lord; the Lord will be passing by.” A strong wind was rending the mountain and crushing 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. After the earthquake there was fire - but the Lord was not in the fire. After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound. When he heard this Elijah hid his face in his cloak and went and stood at the entrance of the cave. A voice said to him, “Elijah, why are you here?” He replied, “I have been most zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. (1 Kgs 19: 11 - 14).

A familiar section about Elijah and the mission he was to continue with, but without the loud blistering words of a demand that would shake the boots of anyone who was to follow the command of his God. It came in just the same manner that the grace of God reaches all of us who are waiting for that to strengthen our mission of reaching souls in ways we never imagined. Elijah heard the tiny whispering of the Lord; we will feel the mission through grace that touches our being, beginning with our heart.

Our call may come in the same manner when we least expect what he has in mind for us to accomplish. For some there might be a pronouncement of bands playing, fireworks going off, and then there will be a few who will feel that tiny heartbeat when his presence comes in a slight nudge on our heart and only that person will realize what the Lord has placed before him to go forth and do my bidding.

Everyone whom the Lord calls will be in a fashion that suits their individual ability and that is acceptable to the Lord. But to the one(s) that feels just a slight tugging on their heart the Lord will guide them in a way known only to them and also is accountable in a more undeniable manner known to them alone.

Voices, sights, and experiential activities will cross their paths of ministry. God chooses these people because they, like Elijah, shall be sent to reach the greatest enemies unbeknown to themselves with a message of changing their hearts towards God. We know Elijah, after being the teacher of Elisha, was taken to heaven in a whirlwind leaving his protege to carry on. (2 Kgs 2: 9 - 12).

Receiving the grace of God and wondering what we shall be asked to do with it; we will not be able to find the words to exemplify that mission, but wait for the tiny whispering that will tug at your heart. If you are among those chosen, like Elisha will carry on for God.

Ralph B. Hathaway