“Answer me, O Lord, answer me.”

Ch. 12 # 5

Reread the section on Elijah at Sinai. Elijah’s vision of God started not with a powerful presence but with a “still small voice.” How does this revelation tie in with the idea that God has given us complete freedom to choose whether or not to accept his will? How does this revelation help us in our search to know God’s will?

Elijah was hiding in the desert from Jezebel who wanted him dead after he had killed her false god’s prophets. All Elijah wanted was for God to just end his life, but God had a different plan for him. God had an interesting way to deliver his plan to the prophet Elijah. While Elijah was sitting in his cave praying that his life be taken and waiting for his answer from God, a strong powerful wind came crashing through the mountains breaking rocks, an earthquake followed the might wind and after the earthquake there was a great fire. But in all of this Elijah did not hear the Lord calling him. After that powerful demonstration Elijah finally heard God answering him in a “still small voice.” When he heard this, in great reverence he covered his face and went to the mouth of the cave to receive God’s plan for him. Elijah heard and listened to God’s plan. God gave Elijah the strength he needed, through heavenly food to make the great journey to Mount Sinai.

We can see through this great story, our free will combined with our faith in God we can manage anything. When God came to Elijah, who was praying for death, he didn’t barge into the cave pick him up and yell at him to get back up and get over to Sinai. God came to him not in all his power and might but in a small whisper. Elijah could have chosen to ignore this tiny little voice telling him to do something that seemed quite impossible. We have to consciously choose to hear God’s whisper and to accept it. He isn’t forcing us to do anything, he isn’t physically dragging us to where we are supposed to be. We have to make the effort to get up, trust in His will and take action.

After hearing God’s “still small voice” Elijah was filled with strength from God to make the journey ahead. God will not give us a challenge or a cross that we really can’t handle. He knows us inside and out. Our crosses are meant to test our faith and challenge us to be who He wants us to be, not to kill us. He will give us the grace needed to complete the trials ahead if we place ourselves totally in his care. We should strive daily to live according to God’s will for us, to search endlessly for ways to get closer to Him. To live according to His will is the only way to live our lives, and it is all up to us to choose that way.