Day Eight of Lent – Fidelity in All Things
February 22, 2024
FEAST OF SAINT POLYCARP – 23rd FEBRUARY
February 23, 2024
THE 22nd OF FEBRUARY
IN GOD’S PRESENCE
Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces 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; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. – 1 Kings 19:11-12
The prophet Elijah experienced great times of glory and also of despair in his ministry for the Lord. We are tempted to believe that it would be wonderful to be able to just be “on the mountain top” with the Lord without ever descending into the valleys. But without the experience of the valleys of everyday life, we would not climb the mountains because we would trust in ourselves and forget God. The Lord did not correct Elijah’s answer, but instead He offered to manifest His presence more than ever. When Moses, the friend of God, asked to see the Lord (Exodus 34:2), God allowed Moses to only see Him from behind. But because Elijah was so discouraged, the Lord gave him the chance without even asking for it.
But God cannot pass unnoticed. The first time God manifested His power, at the mountain (before His presence), through wind, fire and earthquake. Elijah did not come out of the cave until he recognized the gentle and loving presence of the heavenly Father, in “a still small voice.” It requires sincere attention, dedication and strong desire to enter the presence of the Lord. Elijah’s despair was so deep that even in the wonderful presence of the Lord, he did not change his answer. No one understands us better than the Lord and how wonderful are His comforts. He prepares the right measure of anointing for us, so that we can overcome the hard times that lay ahead of us.
SUGGESTED PRAYER
Thank You dear Lord, for You never forsake me, no matter how hard my life is at certain times. In Your kindness, You do not treat me according to what I deserve, but according to Your perfect nature, that never changes. You were, are and will always be, love. Your kindness and faithfulness towards me are endless and You renew them every morning. Please help me enter Your presence more often and as I spend more time with You, to become more like You. In the Name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
Source: thetruthstandsforever
