Consider reading the story of Elijah and his 40 day journey to meet God at Mt. Horeb (1 Kings, chapters 17-19).
In the story, Elijah is summoned to come out of his cave to meet God. When he does, he is greeted with a mighty wind (tornado?). Elijah thinks that surely God has come like a strong wind; however, God is not in the tornado. Then the earth begins shaking. Again, Elijah thinks that surely God is in the earthquake since God is mighty enough to move mountains. But again God is not in the earthquake. Finally, a great fire engulfs all that is Elijah. The God we know from other Bible stories often comes like fire! But again, God is not in the fire. And when God finally speaks to Elijah, it is but a whisper in the "sheer silence."
Sometimes we must alter our expectations so we do not miss out on the Divine's activity in our life. Sometimes we must also adjust our hearing so we don't miss those voices God uses to reach us.
This Lent, are you willing to let God to "blow away," "shake up," or "put down" your old routines and expectations?
Consider the words of our Lenten handout:
"Lent is a time to listen to God, but sometimes God speaks through others, particularly the poor, oppressed, marginalized and suffering. To whom should you be listening this season? How can you cultivate a listening posture towards others whose perspective and experiences might differ from your own?"
Consider sitting in silence this week and looking at images of refugees or the homeless in our own city. And just listen...
If you are keeping a journal this, Lent please consider adding some of your thoughts and inspiration/learnings to this blog!
In the story, Elijah is summoned to come out of his cave to meet God. When he does, he is greeted with a mighty wind (tornado?). Elijah thinks that surely God has come like a strong wind; however, God is not in the tornado. Then the earth begins shaking. Again, Elijah thinks that surely God is in the earthquake since God is mighty enough to move mountains. But again God is not in the earthquake. Finally, a great fire engulfs all that is Elijah. The God we know from other Bible stories often comes like fire! But again, God is not in the fire. And when God finally speaks to Elijah, it is but a whisper in the "sheer silence."
Sometimes we must alter our expectations so we do not miss out on the Divine's activity in our life. Sometimes we must also adjust our hearing so we don't miss those voices God uses to reach us.
This Lent, are you willing to let God to "blow away," "shake up," or "put down" your old routines and expectations?
Consider the words of our Lenten handout:
"Lent is a time to listen to God, but sometimes God speaks through others, particularly the poor, oppressed, marginalized and suffering. To whom should you be listening this season? How can you cultivate a listening posture towards others whose perspective and experiences might differ from your own?"
Consider sitting in silence this week and looking at images of refugees or the homeless in our own city. And just listen...
If you are keeping a journal this, Lent please consider adding some of your thoughts and inspiration/learnings to this blog!
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