In my quiet time I asked, “Where are you God?” Or did I?
We’ve been studying The Key to Deep Change: Experiencing Spiritual Transformation by Facing Unfinished Business by Dr. Steven Smith. It’s not the first time I’ve attended this class; in fact, I helped facilitate on another occasion. This group however is different. It’s made up of Counselors, Coaches and Ministry Leaders. You could say it is about equipping & strengthening the equippers.
One of the exercises was to go to a quiet place for 20 minutes to be alone with God. We were to just listen to what God may have to say to us. This is not a new activity for me – I love my quiet times with the Lord. Because of my familiarity with the exercise, I admit I was not expecting to hear from God. I simply welcomed that pocket of quiet time.
As I sat in the silence, I fought the temptation to think – to ask – to pray. I simply wanted to be in His presence. I’m not sure when or how it happened but I knew – I sensed His message to me: “Estoy aqui.” Translated from Spanish it means, I’m right here.
Tears and more tears as I realized how much I needed that personal touch from my Father in Heaven. He answered a need I didn’t know I had. He answered it in my native tongue – knowing how deeply that would reach me.
A Still Small Voice
Some reading this may need to understand that hearing from God is not some sort of boogaboo exercise – no magic involved here. We simply surrender to the possibility that God will convey a message to us through a whisper, an event, a knowing in our spirit.
One of my favorite passages in the Bible is found in 1 Kings. A discouraged Elijah heard from an angel…
“… ‘Go, stand on the mountain at attention before God. God will pass by.’ A hurricane wind ripped through the mountains and shattered the rocks before God, but God wasn’t to be found in the wind; after the wind an earthquake, but God wasn’t in the earthquake; and after the earthquake fire, but God wasn’t in the fire; and after the fire a gentle and quiet whisper.” 1 Kings 19: 11-12 [MSG]
The New King James version of this passage refers to it as “a still small voice”.
Uniquely created we may experience God’s presence and hear from Him differently. For me, it’s always a short simple phrase that speaks volumes to me. In this instance it was, “I’m right here.”
Are You Discouraged?
Today I ask, “Are you discouraged? Feeling unsafe? Alone?” You are in good company. The Bible is full of examples of others who have walked through difficult seasons, but then God…
Leaders present the appearance of strength, but we are just like Elijah. We too are challenged at times to latch on to hope and press in through life’s challenges. As I often say, “But God.” God promised He would never leave us. In the Passion Translation – Hebrews 13:5, I love how it’s phrased:
“I will never leave you alone, never! And I will not loosen my grip on your life!”
Let that sink in – let’s receive it as it is a personal message – just for you – just for me.
Unexpected Peace
God not only knew that I needed the assurance that He was right there with me, but He was also preparing me for what would come just a day later. As I walked into the Mammography Center for my routine annual exam, I sensed this would not be a simple all-is-well experience. Surprised at how quickly and pain-free it had been, I left expecting to hear back from them. And I did. Not a couple of hours later I received a notice indicating they would contact me to arrange for further testing. They found something of concern.
Many women have experienced that moment of uncertainty in their test results. If that’s you, then you understand that only God could have given me the peace to receive that news.
This happened to me once before – years ago – when Jesus wasn’t in my story. At the time it wasn’t peace I felt. I was held hostage by fear for days. In the end, it was uneventful – nothing to worry about. Unfortunately, I had travelled the full range of emotions and explored the worst that could happen.
But God… For those of us that walk closely with Him, we know He is right there. He goes before us – has our back – carries us through and so much more. I am no Superwoman. I am just a child of God, with my hand in His, continuing to navigate a season of unknowns. God’s got me.
Ministry of Presence
Have you ever experienced the ministry of presence? A friend joins you through a difficult time – you sit in silence – encouraged by their presence. That’s how it is with Jesus. He’s our friend and longs to sit with us and may even send a message.
In closing I’m reminded of the hymn “In The Garden”. I’ll probably be humming it for a while. Sharing these lyrics now – be encouraged.
In the Garden
I come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses,
And the voice I hear falling on my ear,
The Son of God discloses…
And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other, has ever, known!
He speaks and the sound of His voice,
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that he gave to me,
Within my heart is ringing . . .
And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other, has ever, known!
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other, has ever, known!
Words and Music by C. Austin Miles, 1912
Photo by Faye Cornish
Maggie Sabatier-Smith
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