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Listen while you read: "All Things Bright And Beautiful"1 (Lyrics) |
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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Dear Cassandra that was a very memorable devotional to reread. The Lord was truly right with you as you travelled during that snowstorm. He certainly is ever deserving of our faith and gratitude as He is ever so caring for us. Blessings for that special writing.
Wow! Many thanks to all who responded to this devotional. Sorry so slow in replying and for this blanket response. Only received my copy just this morning! Don’t know why. Blessings,Cass
I’m with you, Cass.
Merci Cassandra for a well-crafted devotional and the final question.
Hi Sandy,
Thank you for this morning devotional.
Blessings.
Amen Cass! I too have had many close calls averted by hearing and listening to that still small voice, the voice of God within.
Blessings.
Cass, This is a touching example of God’s care for his loved ones – through His still small voice. Thank you for sharing it. Your testimony encourages me to trust that God watches over me and protects me all the time. It’s just as he promised!
Dear Cass, your story is a great example of how God can speak to us even when it isn’t through an audible human voice. (Sometimes, however, He uses another human voice as His instrument!) This was a good reminder to me of times He has also spoken to me through His still, small voice.
Hi. Loved your story of snowstorm and voice to stop. There have been at least 4 times in my life when I know the Lord was speaking to me. Sometimes in a still small voice. I listened all times and moved forward with certainty. So good to know you are not alone in troubled times. God bless you.
Thank you for sharing this life experience you had. Yes, we never know at what moment the Lord will speak to us so directly and very important that we pay attention immediately. You certainly were attentive to the Lord’s direction and came through that horrific snowstorm safely. Blessings for continuing to write devotionals.
Good Morning Cassandra,
Thank God speaks in that quiet voice and protects us. That drive sounds very scary. God is so good. May we all keep our ears open to hear only His sweet voice. Discernment daily!
God bless.
Good morning, Cassandra,
A very powerful devotional reminding us of the important of listening for God’s guidance in our lives in whatever form it comes.
I noticed that you used to live in Canada at the time of your experience and obedience to God’s voice. Thanks for sharing and as the song says may your can be full of “things bright and beautiful”. Blessings.
Dear Cassandra,
Thank you for sharing this experience. How faithful God is! (I’ve also driven in a snowstorm in Ontario, with my head out the window; I hope you haven’t had to do it since!)
And God’s grace, in speaking to us in a moment of danger, is such a clarion call of His love for us. When I was in my early twenties, and again in my early thirties – and still His enemy – He spoke a word to me, and in obeying, my life was spared in an industrial accident. No coincidences, as you say, just the indescribable, personal love of the One who has known us from before time began.
May your message bless those who read it and encourage many in recognizing God’s hand in their lives.
Blessings on your day.
(BC)
Thanks for this reminder to listen! Your Daily Devotional is just what all of us who follow “The Way” need to take to heart.
(BC Canada)
Good morning, Cass,
I love that passage from 1 Kings. I can picture Elijah standing on the side of the mountain with the opening of the cave behind. He had been looking for the Lord in various places, and then in the quite of that lonely place he heard him. It still happens today!
Thank you so much.
Blessings on your weekend.