“It’s so dark and cold in here. Lord I’m so afraid. The enemy is out to destroy my life and I feel so alone.”
“Why are you here?”
“Hiding from the enemy. They’re out to kill me. My brothers and sisters have all forsaken the truth and I’m the only one left that’s living for You.”
“Come out here now.”
“I can’t. I’m afraid.”
Swoosh! Bang! Crash! “What’s going on? That was a powerful burst of wind!”
Rumble! Rumble! Boom! “Huh!! What just happened and why am I laying flat on this cave floor?”
“Hey! I smell smoke! And I can see flames outside the cave entrance! What’s happening Lord? Has my time come to leave this world?”
“Stand on your feet and come out here right now.”
“Okay Lord.”
“Now I’ll ask you again. Why are you here?”
“Hiding from the enemy. They’re out to kill me. My brothers and sisters have all forsaken the truth and I’m the only one left that’s living for You.”
“Rise and go back the way you came. You have work to do.”
The above is a "factional" account of Elijah, the prophet’s experience at the cave where he hid from Jezebel. If you aren’t familiar with the story you can read it in I Kings 19. While hiding out there God spoke to him in his distress. But did Elijah listen, understand, or obey?
God asked him a question-“Why are you here?” And Elijah answered by complaining about what everyone else around him had done. The threatening words of Jezebel had taken root in his mind. Because of fear of the enemy, he had lost his vision and passion for the call of God in his life.
I believe God spoke that sentence to him for the same reason a parent or teacher asks a rhetorical question of a child. It is to encourage reflection within the mind of the listener. But Elijah didn’t understand God’s question. Yes, he heard the words but the meaning wasn’t clear. That’s how many Christians are today when they read the Bible or even hear a word from God in their heart. We have to be in tune with the one who is talking to us if we really want to understand what they are saying.
If we’re half listening because of the spirit of fear then we’ll miss the real message.
When God told him to come out of the cave, Elijah didn’t obey. The Bible doesn’t say how long Elijah was there after hearing all the commotion of the wind, earthquake and fire. (I wonder if these natural acts were from satan himself, trying to confuse him) But when he heard the still small voice (God speaking to his spirit) the prophet arose and obeyed Him.
We are not told what was spoken by the still small voice but it was most likely words of love and peace. I John 4:18 says “perfect love casts out fear”. At that moment I believe Elijah saw a great light in that deep dark cave. And I don’t think he felt alone anymore.
When communication between God and the prophet was fully restored, he was commanded to go back the way he had come-through the wilderness.
Just because we hear from God doesn’t mean we are exempt from hard journeys in this world. Yet, in following the unseen voice from on high we can walk with power, peace, and purpose each and every day. Cave experiences can give us perspective on the reason for our journey and the assurance of our faith in the One who keeps and leads us. But we must focus on His Voice..His Word. Not the lies of the 'father of lies'.
Let's look at some of the lies Elijah was believing. First he believed Jezebel had the power to take his life. That's the reason he ran when he heard of her threats. We know the devil knows how to roar like a lion and make many threats. Second, he asked God to take his life because he felt as though his life wasn't worth living. When we're in the midst of trial or persecution we need to remember that life is worth living because He still lives and reigns. And third he thought he was the only believer in God that was left in the land. He felt all alone. But that is just a deceptive emotion that the enemy will use, trying to drive us to isolation and despair.
Remember the rest of Elijah's story? God delivered him from all the plots of Jezebel
and he continued his work as a prophet until the day he was taken up by a whirlwind to heaven.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Psalm 23:4-6
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