Elijah-Quit Whining

Q1 2013 was a character builder for me.  As a follower of Christ, I think recognizing my moods and challenges are important in not sugar coating conditions in my life.  God knows our condition, our desire to look perfect before man while struggling with difficult issues in our life.  Many believers “stuff” what’s going on and as a result, God can’t come along side and restore His order to their lives.

Last December, as I examined my service to the Lord, in a prayer time I asked God to “take me down to the studs”, to show me what he wanted me to do vs. what I thought my service should be. Psalm 127 was the basis (unless the Lord builds the house we labor in vain). Little did I realize just how effective that prayer was going to be and I can’t say it has been an easy process.

As I approach year 73, I see the many times that God has directed and protected me and my family.  Living for God can never be taken for granted nor should we rest on our laurels of past service.  As Blackaby says in Experiencing God, we are to join God in what he is doing, not ask him to bless what we think is best.

Since December the Holy Spirit has definitely revealed some flaws (I hate the word sin but probably a better word) in this servant.   If I might paraphrase what I heard:  “Paul, I see that kernel of judging others coming into your world.”  “Paul, I see that you might extend more grace to those homeless men you are coaching.”  “Paul, are you doing your work as unto ME, or is all this ministry a project to see how much YOU can get done.” “Paul, I appreciate the prayer time you are spending with Me, but at times I don’t perceive you are taking enough time to listen to My response.”

Now this has been a wake up call.  A series of events in my life have transpired since December that indicates to me that I have been taken “down to the studs.”  Having seen some wonderful ministry outcomes in the last 2 years, I feel a little like Elijah, who having just seen God vanquish the prophets of Baal is now cowering under a broom tree running from Jezebel.

But the message to Elijah (and to us) is that when faced with challenges of any size, God is there and will even reach to us, as He did by an angel to a very distraught Elijah.  Elijah was given food and drink and then went into a “poor me” discourse to the angel.  In spite of his whining, God made His presence known to Elijah in a whisper and gave him marching orders for Elijah’s next very important assignment requiring some hardship and bravery. Having Elijah as an example I know that God is right here in my corner.  I was not depressed or fearful like Elijah, but was discouraged.

So what is the lesson for me now that I have had my “Elijah moment” as I stare at the studs of my life and ministry.  I have sought the Lord in prayer, bible reading and the love of close ones.  I believe I have direction from the Holy Spirit and have been spending much more “quiet time” listening to God.  While I never had lost the joy of peace of being in God’s world, being discouraged was a challenge. I am still waiting for more wisdom but I know God is there ready to release his power to my next assignment.

What is the lesson for you?  Are you currently under the broom tree like Elijah, faced with personal, career, financial or relationship issues?  If so:

Spend time in the word. Ask God to reveal himself. Pray and listen.  Seek counsel and prayer with a trusted friend or two.  Be ready to recognize any sin in your life that may contribute to the problem. Confess that specific sin(s) to God.  Respond to my blog when the miracle in your life takes place.

What are you waiting for…..God is seeking a divine appointment with you.

Paul