God’s Still, Small Voice
In a world saturated with countless voices competing for our attention, the challenge of hearing God’s voice becomes even more vital. We crave to cut through the noise and connect with the pure, untainted voice of God—the pathway to life itself. Hearing his voice invites us to live in the slipstream of the supernatural, where the Holy Spirit’s presence guides our every step.
This journey to hear God isn’t new; it’s been the focus of our series for the past few weeks, building on the foundation we’ve laid together.
Week 1: We began by discussing the importance of eliminating interference—those roadblocks like sin, distraction, and simply not listening, which hinder us from hearing God. There was a church-wide challenge to remove these distractions and confess sin, creating a clear path to hear God’s voice. For some, this was a revolutionary move, setting the stage for a more profound spiritual journey.
Week 2: We explored the necessity of renewing our minds—sharing the mind of Christ, committing to truth, and immersing ourselves in scripture daily. When our minds align with God, it’s easier to hear and respond to his promptings.
These foundations are crucial, yet if we stop here, we risk slipping into legalism—where the focus is solely on personal righteousness and Bible knowledge. But what’s missing? The dynamic of a personal relationship with God, the wild ride of an untamed Holy Spirit. Jesus described the Spirit as a wind that blows wherever it wants—unpredictable, powerful, and free.
This brings us to our subject today: connecting with the still, small voice of God. We’ll dive into the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19, where this phrase originates.
Elijah, a prophet sent by God, had just experienced a dramatic victory over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. Fire from heaven had consumed his sacrifice, proving the power of the one true God. But despite this victory, when Queen Jezebel threatened his life, Elijah fled in fear and despair.
What happened here? How could a prophet who had just witnessed such a powerful display of God's might suddenly crumble in fear? Elijah likely had expectations—perhaps he thought Jezebel and Ahab would repent, or that there would be an uprising among the people in response to God’s power. But when his expectations weren’t met, he ran.
God does not submit to our expectations.
Elijah’s formula of fire from heaven plus the end of the drought should have equaled repentance and restoration. But God had his reasons, and they didn’t align with Elijah’s expectations. This teaches us that we are bit players in God’s grand drama, often unaware of his reasons and unable to see the results we desire. God’s plans surpass our understanding, and he doesn’t submit to our desires or timelines.
Elijah, exhausted and discouraged, traveled far from Jezebel, eventually reaching Beersheba. In his despair, God met him in a surprising way—not through dramatic miracles or powerful words, but through an angel’s touch, a nap, and a meal. Sometimes, the most spiritual thing we can do is rest in God’s care, trusting that he knows what we need at each moment.
God speaks differently every time.
In Elijah’s case, it wasn’t a whirlwind, an earthquake, or fire that carried God’s voice, but a gentle whisper. God’s voice can come in unexpected ways, and if we’re waiting for him to speak in a certain manner, we might miss what he’s saying. He uses a variety of means—circumstances, scripture, people, and yes, even a nap and a snack—to communicate with us.
Learning to distinguish God’s voice from others is crucial. God’s voice is bent on life, truth, and righteousness, leading us toward his purposes. In contrast, the enemy’s voice breeds discouragement, shame, and destruction. Over time, as we eliminate distractions and fill our minds with God’s word, we become more attuned to his voice, just as a parent can pick out their child’s voice in a crowded room.
After Elijah's rest and nourishment, he journeyed to Mount Horeb, expecting a dramatic encounter with God. But instead of a whirlwind or fire, God spoke to Elijah in a still, small voice, correcting Elijah’s assumption that he was alone. God revealed that he had reserved seven thousand others in Israel who had remained faithful.
God corrects our wrong assumptions and gives us the next step, but not the master plan.
For Elijah, this meant anointing the next generation of leaders. Sometimes, God asks us to participate in his plans not because we’re the key to changing history, but because he delights in involving us in his work. Just as a parent might let their child help with a task, God invites us to join him, experiencing the joy of working alongside him.
Within Elijah’s story lies the broader narrative of God’s redemptive work, a reminder that God’s plans are bigger than our expectations, and his ways are higher than our ways. As we seek to hear his voice, we must remain open to the surprising ways he might speak, ready to respond with faith and obedience, trusting that his voice will lead us into the life he has designed for us.
Blog adapted from August 18, 2024, message by Minister Mark Ashton
