Today’s Reading, 1 Kings 17-19
Focal Scripture: 1 Kings 17:2 “Then the word of the Lord came to him:”
At times when I read the scriptures I get overwhelmed. Today was one of those days and I still haven’t gotten over it yet, honestly I hope I don’t. This is a passage of scripture I have read at least 40-50 times. These words are not foreign to me and I have even preached on them before but focused on other areas as the main point. However, today the phrase “the word of the Lord.” was magnified like a megaphone in my soul. It was encouraging and at the same time convicting.
In today’s reading we are in the midst of Elijah’s greatest miracles. We are going to see him be used by God to make food go longer than it should, raise a young man back to life, call down fire from heaven, and be ministered to in providential ways. Yet, nothing happens until the word of the Lord comes to him. This word is encouraging and prophetic. It gives instruction and hope. The word of the Lord is powerful and life changing.
Today I am not going to give you a challenge but I am going to give you a sneak peek into how the Lord challenged me through the scriptures. Too often in my life I act and don’t wait on the word of the Lord. I get very impatient and it is difficult for me to sit still and wait for things to happen. This does not mean I don’t make any decision during the day and in my life. What it does mean is that my heart and soul is sensitive to the leading and direction of the spirit.
As I am living my life I need to immediately respond and shift my life to obey God no matter the direction. I need to be able to hear him speak, which means I am prepared to follow him no matter what that requires. When Elijah heard the Lord speak he went and obeyed. He knew that the Lord’s words would not come back void.
Right now the Lord is asking me to do something that is very scary. It will require me to step out in faith and trust that God has equipped and prepared me for this task. It is not as dramatic as the miracle of food, raising someone to life, or defeating false prophets. However, it has the potential to reach many people with the gospel.
When the Word of the Lord directs I need to be obedient. I must tune out the world and my own self doubt. When God has ordained something to happen nothing will stop it because the Lord is good. The word of the Lord must be my driving favor. The word of the Lord has to be my priority.
I encourage you to hold me accountable. When you see me ask this question “Are you doing what the Lord commanded?” If I say no then lovingly rebuke me and let me know I am being disobedient.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading 1 Kings 20-21
