Stand On The Mountain

Thursday, May 4, ‎2023

Good morning, Lord

Verse of the Day: Philippians 4:6-7

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Memory of the Month: John 10:27-28

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

Today's reading: 1 KINGS 16-18 LUKE 22:47-71

Stand On The Mountain

In the book of First Kings, chapter 19, is the account of our God's dealing with The frightened prophet Elijah. He had run many days to escape death by Jezebel's hand. Elijah had hidden in a cave, 1 Kings 19:1-9.

In verse 9, God asked Elijah two questions:"Why are you here? "What do you desire?"

(God has been with Elijah all along. He waits until Elijah has a false sense of security in that cave to speak. God is always with us-even when our faith is weak and we run for earthly cover or 'security'.)

Instead of answering God's questions, Elijah gives excuses of why he is there. Have you ever given God excuses? Have you ever justified you ways to God? God's question to us all is always the same: "Why are you here(or "What purpose have I given you?) and "What do you want?(What is your real desire?)

These two questions-before God-if we really sit and look God in the face have to be answered truthfully or we try to make excuses in vain.

God told Elijah to go stand on the mountain-to come out of hiding and see His(God's) own glory. God shows Elijah the fierce forces of the earth(the scripture says that God is in none of these great displays of force. We find things to fear-weather, earthquakes, fires, wars, people...but God is always ready to speak quietly to our hearts.)

God asks again, "Elijah why are you here-what do you desire?"

Elijah's answer is the same. All he can talk about is feeling sorry for himself(the only prophet left) because people are coming to kill him. Elijah says, "They won't stop." He is hopeless.

From our earthly point of reference, can you hear God's eyes rolling in His head as He patiently hears Elijah spout his fear and despondency.

What does God do? He gives Elijah a job. He ignores the danger and fear that Elijah feels and gives Elijah a mission.

How often are we in caves fearing what will happen next? How often do we feel we are the only person who feels as we do?

God has hoards who still praise Him and carry His word to the world. Elijah had told the truth-He had told God exactly what was on his mind even if it was in the form of an excuse. God gave Him something to carry out.

God always has work for you and I to do-even when we feel sorry for ourselves or hopeless or full of fear. This is when God calls us out to:

"GO STAND ON THE MOUNTAIN"

God wants us to see all the turmoil in the world-and how temporary it is. After the wind-after the earthquake-after the fire-God was speaking as He did before. He is present in all the trials and pain of our lives. He wants us to come out and see it all and know that He is still as always-in the middle of our hearts. He never leaves. He is with us and calls us to stand on the mountain and listen for His voice. He always has work for us to do. He feeds us what we need and moves us to obedience.

Why are you here? What do you desire?

Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it. 6 He will bring forth your righteousness like the dawn, your justice like the noonday sun.…

...because He loves us...

Father in Heaven,

Forgive me for fearing-for feeling sorry for myself. I will stand on Your mountain and listen. Show me Your way today.

Great and mighty God!

In the name of Christ Jesus,

Amen