God's presence is not limited to dramatic experiences

I. Daughter of Zion, grace be unto you and your household. As we embark on another journey in a new month, we must reflect on and plan. However, in a world filled with chaos, noise, and distractions, it's easy to lose sight of God's presence in our lives. We often find ourselves like Elijah, fleeing from the pressures of life, feeling isolated and lonely. But it's in those moments of vulnerability that God reveals Himself in profound ways. Elijah's encounter with God on the mountain offers us valuable lessons for our spiritual journeys through this month. Elijah, a mighty prophet of God, had just experienced a tremendous victory on Mount Carmel. However, instead of basking in the glory of his triumph, he found himself fleeing for his life from Queen Jezebel's threats.

II. Son of Man, are you exhausted, fearful, and feeling abandoned and looking for a dramatic way out? Elijah reached a breaking point, begging God to take his life. Are you giving up? As Elijah waited on the mountain, he experienced a dramatic display of God's power: a strong wind, an earthquake, and a fire. You might be going to church and other worship centres daily for a dramatic encounter with God. You might have been attending strong wind church services but without experiencing God, or you are at an earthquake prayer meeting hoping for a dramatic encounter; maybe you are at fire church services. In all these, you have not encountered God in those dramatic ways. But it was not in these spectacular events that God spoke to Elijah. Instead, God revealed Himself in a gentle whisper, a soft breeze that followed the fire. God is not a routine; don’t expect your breakthrough routinely.

III. My Beloved Sisters and Dear Brothers, remember that God's presence is not limited to dramatic experiences. We often expect God to reveal Himself in grand, miraculous ways. However, Elijah's encounter should remind us that God's presence can be subtle, yet profoundly powerful. If you only look out for God through dramatic prophetic ventures, you will miss your opportunity. God speaks in the stillness. Dearly beloved, in the midst of chaos, we must learn to quiet our hearts and minds, listening for God's gentle whisper. We must sometimes move out of the crowd to a solitary place for an encounter with God. Move out of the congregation for a personal encounter with God. Remember that God's power is not measured by external events. The wind, earthquake, and fire were impressive displays of God's power, but they were not the primary means by which God spoke to Elijah.

IV. Precious in the Lord, God's presence is personal and intimate. Church service and encounter during the service must be congregational as well as personal. If we always follow the congregational flow, we will miss our personal encounter with God. Elijah's encounter with God was a deeply personal experience, one that addressed his unique struggles and fears. As we reflect on Elijah's encounter with God, let us seek God in the stillness, look for his presence in the mundane, and trust in his power. Let us regularly take time to listen to God's gentle whisper. This month, don't limit your expectations of God's presence to dramatic experiences. Instead, seek Him in the everyday moments of your life. This is the DIVINE Word for transformation sent forth through the Authority and power of Christ Jesus and serves to the brethren through God's Vessel Francis Ameyibor, Yes! When faced with challenges and uncertainties, remember that God's power is not measured by external events but by His presence and guidance in your life.

V. 2025 MY YEAR FOR MY STAR TO RISE FOR THE WORLD TO NOTICE—As we seek to deepen our relationship with God, let us learn to listen for His gentle whisper, trust His power, and seek His presence in all aspects of our lives.

PRAYER: Gracious God, we pray for your mercies through Christ Jesus’ name, amen

REF: I Kings 19:1-18
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