A Phone

1 Kings 19:12
We are definitely a communication, information oriented society. There are so many ways we get in touch with each other, even with friends all over the world. The telephone started us down this road long before cell phones and the internet took things to a whole new level. We're accustomed to getting in touch with others right away, or at worst leaving a voice or text message. Most of us lack patience when it comes to waiting for an answer, we want a response right away. Our need for speed can cause problems in our walk with God. Our prayers don't always get the fast response we desire, or God doesn't act quick enough, and as it is rare that God audibly speaks with us, interpreting what he is saying is also a challenge. Even Elijah had problems with waiting for God to respond after Jezebel threatened to kill him. He took off running despite the fact that the Lord had shown everyone his power. When Elijah finally lay down to rest the Lord was able to speak with him.

11 ...And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake;12And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still, small voice. 13When Elijah heard the voice, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave... (taken from the Amplified Bible c.1987)

In our fast paced world sometimes we need to slow down and listen for God to find him. He may come with the sound of mighty trumpets or a faint whisper. We may have a sudden revelation or maybe a friend drops a subtle, timely hint. It may have the intensity of stadium lights or the softness of candlelight. Even when it seems our world is falling apart around us like what was happening to Elijah we must realize God will answer when he feels it's the right time. Like Gandalf from "Lord of the Rings, Return of the King" who said, "For a wizard is never late, nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to." That is exactly what we can expect of God as well. So take heart if you have communicated with God about some important matter and have yet to get a response, be patient, listen for the still small voice and have faith that the answer will come at just the right time. Spend some time today just listening for that still small voice of God.