My "Streams in the Desert" devotional was so good this morning- I had to share it with you all.
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And after the earthquake a fire; and after the fire a sound of gentle stillness"
(1 Kings 19:12, RV margin.)
A soul, who made rapid progress in her understanding of the Lord, was once asked the secret of her easy advancement. She replied tersely, "Mind the checks."
And the reason that many of us do not know and better understand Him is, we do not give heed to His gentle checks, His delicate restraints and constraints. His is a still, small voice. A still voice can hardly be heard. It must be felt. A steady, gentle pressure upon the heart and mind like the touch of a morning zephyr to your face. A small voice, quietly, almost timidly spoken in your heart, but if heeded growing noiselessly clearer to your inner ear.
His voice is for the ear of love, and love is intent upon hearing even faintest whispers. There comes a time also when love ceases to speak if not responded to, or believed in. He is love, and if you would know Him and His voice, give constant ear to His gentle touches. In conversation, when about to utter some word, give heed to that gentle voice, mind the check and refrain from speech.
When about to pursue some course that seems all clear and right and there comes quietly to your spirit a suggestion that has in it the force almost of a conviction, give heed, even if changed plans seem highest folly from standpoint of human wisdom.
Learn also to wait on God for the unfolding of His will. Let God form your plans about everything in your mind and heart and then let Him execute them. Do not possess any wisdom of your own. For many times His execution will seem so contradictory to the plan He gave. He will seem to work against Himself. Simply listen, obey and trust God even when it seems highest folly so to do. He will in the end make "all things work together," but so many times in the first appearance of the outworking of His plans,
Hi Lisa! I think it takes real wisdom and experience to wait for the small voice. My current post talks about serving in a place I didn't really belong. A hole opened up and I filled it. But it was not my gift.
ReplyDeleteWaiting on God's will is really important too, and I usually stink at that. But as I get older, I realize through experience that ramming something through rarely works. When it's time, it's time. And God will call that time.
Beautiful reflection,
Ceil
Hello Ceil- I will have to go read your post as soon as I can. Oh and let me tell you - it has taken me so long to learn the importance of waiting on God...... Still learning. Have a great week end! Lisa :O)
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