1 Kings 19:12-13 – And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him, and said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" (RSV)

One winter night, after spending the day moderating a meeting in a small church in northern Ontario, Canada, I headed back to my home in Oakville. Night had fallen, and a severe lake effect storm had blown up. Nevertheless, I had to get home to my family, so I drove the many kilometres down Highway 11 in blizzard conditions. As I drove, my windshield wipers couldn't keep up, so the car crept along, with the driver's side window down and my head outside in order to see through the heavy curtain of snow. As I went, an urgent, still, small voice in my mind said, "Stop, now." I did. As I attempted to open my door, it hit a guard rail. When I looked down, I saw a precipice. Talk about a close call!

Throughout Elijah's life, he often received a directive or intervention through God's still, small voice. It was a rather common occurrence for him, not so much for us. Nevertheless, we do have occasions when we have a sense that we ought to do something, pray for someone, or supply someone's need for clothing, food, or even money. The Bible calls that sense, that intuition, God's voice. It states, "Love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him." (Deuteronomy 30:20 NIV)

There are times when God's still, small voice rescues us from some situation, like driving off a cliff in a snowstorm. "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'" (Isaiah 30:21 NIV)

Although some may deny that such a thought has a divine origin, this writer believes that it was more than mere chance, more than a hunch or women's intuition, more than being clever, astute, or just plain smart. Whatever we choose to call it, we should call it what it truly is: God's still, small voice calling to us.

God often uses a still, small voice to get our attention. Are we listening?

Prayer: Lord God, may we hear Your still, small voice and do what You have for us to do this day. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Cassandra Wessel <casswessel4319@gmail.com>
Tionesta, Pennsylvania, USA
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