Then the LORD told him, “Go back the way you came, and travel to the wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive there, anoint Hazael to be king of Aram.” — 1 Kings 19:15
What defines God’s presence? I am not asking in a general sense but in specific situation or in overwhelming circumstances of your life. What defies that moment when enemy pushes you to step back, step down, lay dormant or hide?
One thing, God’s overwhelming peace, zeal, calmness and a new sense of purpose that simply does not make sense for the moment you are in. It defies the odds and even feels a bit weird like why am I not angry, frustrated, upset or worried!
Welcome to His presence my dearly beloved! I’ve been there, several times, even in several battles of my own making. When over worked, steaming hot, God intervenes with a damper that brings an unexplainable cooling, calmness and peace. From those experiences, I’ve learnt that mere opposition and struggles do not confirm God's path, presence or purpose. But, Holy Spirit taught me that it is the 'clam' in the eye of the storm that defines God's decisive presence.
Peter experienced that moment on the boat swayed by the winds and waves (Matt 14). Suddenly, he forgot all his circumstances, wind, waves, drowning, dying and looked at Jesus walking on the water. Peter, being Peter so wanted to do that, so wanted to be cool, so zealous for that supernatural experience. He forgot all risks associated with it and was so confident that when Jesus is around, nothing can slip from his hands (Rom 8:38-39).
Don't over spiritualize to say that Peter had a 'holy hoop nanny' moment and wanted to be with Jesus so badly. That ignores the simply reality of life in the flesh. We know that Peter was more of a ‘foot in the mouth’ or ‘shoot and aim’ kind of a guy. Maybe his motives were not in the right place but his eyes were absolutely fixed on the right person, Jesus. His confidence was impeccable that he doesn’t need to worry about any 'out of hand' situation when Jesus is around. HE WILL CATCH ME!
That my dear brothers and sisters is the moment of God’s presence in Peter's life.
Take Elijah, he heard God’s gentle voice when he was the most messed up, scared, ran away and felt worthless. But in the midst of it, an unexplainable grace mended his raw spirit, brought mercy to his sorry soul and gave him direction and purpose. As an Old Testament prophet, he may not have felt like a child of God but that's exactly how God treated him. Fed him with bread and water, calmed him with His Grace, mended his spirit with Mercy, gave him the direction and purpose. It assured Elijah that, he still means something and he is still worth something to the Lord!
That calmness in the worst moment of Elijah’s life my dearly beloved is God's presence.
Neither Elijah nor we know what God’s whisper sounds like. But, one thing we are sure, HE will never contradict HIS Word. Any direction in such moments, validated by the Word of God, even confirmed by wise counsel around you assures that it is God and not your own fertile imagination.
However, neither to Peter God said 'stay cool and have fun' nor to Elijah God said 'stay back and enjoy the pity party'. Instead, God told his prophet, 'Go back' and Elijah went. To Peter and disciples Jesus chimed them and helped them grow and sow.
God picked them and put them back on track to fulfil HIS purpose.
Sometimes, God tells us the same, to go back. Back to that painful situation and those difficult people. Back to the service that each of us are equipped to complete. But HE sends us with the power of the Holy Spirit and with the gentle whisper of his love and encouragement.
The gentle hand of God lifting him up was the confirmation and encouragement to Peter that nothing is beyond the reach of His Savior’s hands.
The gentle whisper was the confirmation and encouragement to Elijah that, the very place of his pity party could become the place of beginning again.
Are you in HIS will, in HIS path to start with?
What holds you back today from following HIS direction and fulfilling HIS purpose in life?
God says, ‘Go Back with revived strength & encouragement, I AM WITH YOU!'
Will you get back up and step forward? Blessings!
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