Robin Gilbert Luftig's Blog, page 8
April 30, 2024
Wisdom or Knowledge
There’s much talk about Artificial Intelligence (AI) these days. Is it good? Bad? Is AI the end of civilization … or the beginning of enlightenment? Does it offer wisdom or knowledge? These are lofty questions that I have no answer.
The book of Proverbs instructs us to seek wisdom in all we do. That goes for understanding AI as well. I’ll be the first to tell you there’s more about artificial intelligence that I don’t know than what I do. But I do know that seeking wisdom is different than seeking knowledge. As a writer, I’m always looking for wisdom and trusted sites. Check out what Author Media has to say on the subject.
Is AI the end of civilization … or the beginning of enlightenment?
Tools work best when used for their intended purpose, but purposes are often highjacked. Dynamite, for example, was created was to help people in building and mining, but it was soon used to make bombs and rockets for war.
These are the questions I have
When Shakespeare gave us Hamlet and the thought-provoking statement, “For there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so”, do you think he would have had AI in mind? Is AI–neither good or bad but thinking it makes it so–a tool or the beginning of the end?
Check its purposeI’m of the mind, for now anyway, that a tool is just a tool. It’s how the tool is used that brings on confusion and angst. To seek knowledge, look to a reputable source to find that knowledge. We should always seek to learn. It can broaden our minds and give us the ability to reason. But don’t for a second mistake knowledge with wisdom. Wisdom should never be set aside for anything.
Is AI scary?What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?
Matthew 16:26
Does artificial intelligence scare me? Maybe a little. But I think that’s because I don’t have the knowledge of what it can do. My responsibility is to seek wisdom regarding it.
Wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.
Proverbs 8:11
Whether we like it or not, AI is here to stay. We need to find our way with it. But don’t think for a moment that wisdom will be found in algorithms and other data studies. Wisdom is freely available to anyone who seeks it, but don’t take that gift lightly. And never-ever misconstrue wisdom and knowledge. That wouldn’t be very smart.
When Shakespeare gave us, 'For there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so', do you think he would have had AI in mind?
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Share your opinion–and wisdom.
What say you?
What do you wonder about? Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.
Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.
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April 16, 2024
Everyone Needs to Feel Safe
There is so much anger around us these days. Political divides. Religious divides. It’s even evident when driving on the freeway. We see all sorts of ugly and angry around us. Heaven knows we all need to feel safe in our worlds.
Let’s keep our focus on where the payoff comes from. Jesus said, “… By this [the new command he gave the apostles] everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
It isn’t always easy, but you don’t go wrong following God’s word.
What does that kind of love look like?
It can be as simple as opening a door for someone, or as challenging as taking time to listen to someone’s view when it differs from yours. Everyone feels their perspective is best. Truly, they wouldn’t hold their opinion unless they thought it was correct.
Consider this … if we listened to what they listened to, read what they read, or experienced what they experienced, maybe we would feel the way they feel. That’s why it’s important to have opinions grounded in unchangeable truths.
OpinionsGuide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
Psalms 25:5
People say opinions are like belly buttons… everybody has one. Can we honor those around us who support a different viewpoint than ours? Let’s be strong enough in our beliefs so as not to be threatened by theirs. Consider how Jesus–this man-God–dealt with people. He loved them, even though their thoughts were faulty. He saved his ire for the pompous Pharisees, the folks who thought they knew everything. We read throughout the gospels how he changed lives through his actions.
No one has ever been won over by an argument, they just give in to stop the fight.
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No one has ever been won over by an argument, they just give in to stop the fight. Instead, consider giving them the space to feel and think what they want. No name-calling, no falsehoods, and no gaslighting. Jesus never used any of those tactics. If our convictions don’t stand on their own, nothing we can say will win anyone over.
The Bottom LineThis is what God wants. When you do right, you stop foolish men from saying bad things.
1 Peter 2:15
The bottom line is this: pray for those who differ from us (Mattew 5:44), honor them with truth (Luke 6:27-28), and then trust God. If he needs to change their heart he can. But don’t play God. He loved those who set out to destroy him. Remember, everyone needs to feel safe. The least we can do is love those who see things differently than we do.
What say you?What do you wonder about? Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.
Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.
The post Everyone Needs to Feel Safe appeared first on Robin Luftig.
April 2, 2024
The Shack: A Re-visit
I recently rewatched the movie, The Shack. Ironically days later, I came across my post, of March 2, 2017, The Shack—What It Is and Isn’t. If you’ve seen the movie, is your opinion the same? Here’s an edited repost of that post. I’d love to read your thoughts on it in the comments below.I‘ve seen several rumblings over the newly released movie, The Shack. I’ve read posts from those who sobbed because of the brilliance in addressing forgiveness after staggering intense pain and I’ve seen comments about how these slices of information are wrapped in the devil’s web.
How can a movie affect people so differently?Movies made over the years have attempted to communicate scripture. I laugh even now remembering the scene from 1962’s epic film, Sodom and Gomorrah when Lot left the city with his family. The movie shows hundreds of people fleeing the city with Lot (played by Stewart Granger) running along the procession, saying, “Don’t look back! Don’t look back!” Scripture tells a different story, indeed.
Or what about movies such as Ben Hur, The Ten Commandments, and The Greatest Story Ever Told? Scriptural accuracy isn’t necessarily the main movie maker’s concern. Their main objective: tell a good story. So if those who view The Shack do it through the same lens—seeing a good story—where is there a problem?
Could it BeCould it be that we now want quick fixes of scripture spoon-fed to us without putting effort into it? Are we so entrenched in the “I-Want-It-Now” lifestyle that we choose not to take any responsibility for what we read or watch? Who can say.
In all the reviews I read, I never saw one that promoted William P. Young as offering a God-inspired work. Instead, I see interpretations of the opinion of William P. Young. He did not write scripture. He never said he wrote scripture. Don’t you think tagging him with the burden of defending a dream he had a bit intense?
When we seek to understand God—know who He is and embrace what he wants to be to each of us—wouldn’t it be better to seek him where he lives rather than watch a movie about a person’s opinion? Listen to God’s conversation with Moses as shared in Exodus 3:14 (God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”).
When we seek to understand God, wouldn’t it be better to seek him where he lives rather than watch a movie about someone else’s opinion?
People often get hurt when truth blurs with opinions, especially surrounding the topic of Scripture. Instead of talking, let’s listen. Bashing those who enjoy a movie (that offers opinions) doesn’t help build up the kingdom of God. Instead, let’s rejoice when conversations about God happen. Hurting people are receptive to Truth when they know they’re not being judged.
Hurting people are receptive to Truth when they know they're not being judged.
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When people ask questions regarding The Shack’s underlining questions, like where is God in a world filled with unspeakable pain … how can God be an African-American woman … could Jesus really be a jean-wearing hippie… accept the open door as an invitation to share Truth to coincide with the opinion they just witnessed. However, if you are looking for a scripture-satisfying experience while munching popcorn and slurping a soda instead, you may want to consider another movie.
Give yourself permission to enjoy the movie, The Shack. I’d love to hear your review.
What say you?What do you wonder about? Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.
Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.
The post The Shack: A Re-visit appeared first on Robin Luftig.
March 19, 2024
Voices in Your Head
The voices in your head. They can be all-encompassing. They can motivate you to keep going or freeze you in your tracks. They can make you cry out in pain or speak in a whisper. They can own you or arouse the need for freedom, deep within your soul.
Don’t let the voices in your head decide how you view life. Fear is real. We all deal with it, so don’t run from it. Instead, dig deep into it. Find out where it’s coming from.
What are You Truly Afraid Of?The voices in your head. They can be all-encompassing. Either motivating you to keep going or freeze you in your tracks.
They can make you cry out or quiet your voice to a whisper.
They can own you or arouse the need for freedom, deep within your soul.
Stop the CycleDon’t let the voices in your head decide how you view life. If you experience fear, know it is real. Don’t run from it deal with it. Dig deep into it. Find out where it’s coming from. What are you truly afraid of?
Are you afraid of failure—or the pressure of success?
Are you afraid of dying—or the sense of missing out?
Are you afraid of being alone—or opening yourself up to the vulnerability of being in a relationship?
Take a BreathSit back, take a breath, and face today’s fears. Speak Truth aloud to them if you need. The negative power tends to shrink and flee when challenged. Fear tends to shrivel when faced with spoken truth:
“God will never leave me nor forsake me. (Deuteronomy 31:8)
“God has a plan for my life. (Jeremiah 29:11)
“My God cries when a sparrow falls, yet he loves me even more.” (Matthew 10:29-31)
TodaySit back, take a breath, and face today’s fears. Their power tends to shrink and flee when challenged.
The only fear you need to face is today’s. The tools you need for tomorrow’s fears will present themselves when you need them. Be confident. Depression or fear may come again tomorrow, too, but you can be ready.
Don't let the negative voices in your head rule you when Truth is available.
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In John 14:1, Jesus said, “Do not let your heart be troubled (afraid, cowardly). Believe [confidently] in God and trust in Him, [have faith, hold on to it, rely on it, keep going and] believe also in Me.”
Remember God. Remember Jesus. Remember the sparrow.
Dedicated to my father, who on a lonely morning in the fall of 1979, forgot to remember.
What say you?What do you wonder about? Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.
Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.
The post Voices in Your Head appeared first on Robin Luftig.
March 12, 2024
Sometimes It Isn’t Easy
Thankfulness. Sometimes it isn’t easy. It doesn’t automatically roll out of our hearts. There are times when words and actions cut us deep. Ugly words and actions can cut deep. Especially those from friends or family members.
God gives me reason upon reason to be thankful. Here are a few:
I woke up and greeted a new day–I am thankful.His air fills my lungs–thankful.Rain falls on the rich and poor alike–thankful.Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.Take a moment
1 Thessalonians 5:18
It may take some time to practice gratitude. Honestly, it isn’t always easy to find reasons to be thankful. But when we press through and embrace gratitude, the world looks different.
We live in challenging times. But I promise you–God promises you–if you press through, gratitude (the art of thankfulness) is an incredible gift waiting for you. It can come with tears, but a seeking heart will be blessed.
Don’t shy away from gratitude. If you let it, it can touch your heart like nothing other.
Sometimes it isn't easy to find reasons to be grateful. But when we press through there's a blessing waiting for us.
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What do you wonder about? Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.
Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.
The post Sometimes It Isn’t Easy appeared first on Robin Luftig.
March 5, 2024
The Many Hats of Tez Brooks
Tez Brooks is quite a guy. What will impress you when you meet him is his keen sense of priority. He’s not flashy or forceful, but always willing to share what he finds most important. His sharing comes in different forms–he’s a master at authoring books, speaking, or coaching–but it all points to the awesome power found in a relationship with Christ. It’s hard to know the many hats of Tez Brooks.
Here are just a few:
Coming April 2024
Adult-O-Nomics: 500 Tips & Truths for Nailing It On Your Own (April 2024)
The book is a short gift book for graduates. Think of it as a survival guide for young adult Christians who are moving out of their parent’s for the first time. It contains 500 modern proverbs, suggestions, and tips for adulting in today’s world.
From the Vault
A collaboration of 51 authors who shared some of their memories of Christmases Past. Their recollections range from family traditions to singular occasions — through happy times and trying times. In its own way each story illustrates how, no matter what our circumstances, at Christmastime we find happiness and joy when we decide not to focus on ourselves or the decorations and the gifts, but choose to celebrate Christ’s birth. If you love stories that express the wonder of Christmas, touch the heart, and stir the emotions, you will love Merry Christmas Moments.
The Single Dad Detour: Directions for Fathering After Divorce
The single father is often considered a mythical creature, found only in sitcoms as an object of humor or pity. Where does that leave real single dads? Too often, it makes them susceptible to overcompensation or apathy. Tez Brooks knows those feelings all too well. He’s traveled that road with his own children after an unexpected divorce. The Single Dad Detour is the result of his journey and the lessons he’s learned along the way. It’s a guidebook for the rocky road of single fatherhood, extending encouragement, confidence, and challenges, using specific examples from dads who’ve survived parenting and have hope to offer.
Tez helps aspiring writers to the next level with his editing services or one-on-one writer’s coaching. With over 20 years of experience, Tez (named one of the Top Writing Coaches by the Coach Foundation) has offered a variety of editing services and faith-based writer’s coaching to help shorten the learning curve for publishing your articles and manuscripts.
Who is Tez Brooks?To learn more about Tez Brooks, visit his website https://tezbrooks.com/
Author. Coach. Speaker. Whether he’s traveling the world sharing Christ with people as a full-time missionary, coaching aspiring writers, working on his next book, or just writing on his blog, ask him what he wants. I know he hopes most that you’ll discover a deeper passion and love for the Lord.
Check out the many hats of Tez Brooks (@tezd63) and you will find a man who serves God through writing, coaching, and speaking.
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What do you wonder about? Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.
Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.
The post The Many Hats of Tez Brooks appeared first on Robin Luftig.
February 27, 2024
Is the Struggle Worth It
Struggles. Everyone has them. Some struggles are smallish while others are ginormous! Whether it’s studying for a final … losing those last five pounds to reach a desired weight … or deciding to end a toxic friendship … it’s often hard to know which way to turn. How do we know to push through or cut our losses and walk away from our struggle? Is the struggle worth it … is the battle worth the aggravation we may need to exert for the desired outcome?
I’d like to say my faith is strong enough that I don’t struggle, but that’s not true. Struggles come daily, but so does grace.
Sometimes just the process of trying to find the answers to the questions of how to continue forward seems as difficult as that struggle itself.
That’s when I do my best to return to Grace and remember what is always best to do first.
First Things FirstFirst, we need to see our struggles for exactly what they are. Comparing our struggle to someone else only adds to the problem. All struggles are personal. And we need to respect them and not talk them away. But we need to know what we’re facing.
Comparing our struggle to someone else only adds to the problem.
The Bible is filled with stories of struggle. One of my favorites can be found in the Old Testament book of Joshua, instructing him to take the city of Jericho. These instructions seemed a bit unorthodox. But we know God knew exactly what Joshua was facing. The city of Jericho was surrounded by a protective wall that nothing had proved to penetrate. But God was clear. Take the city of Jericho.
Do you remember the children’s nursery rhyme?
Joshua fought the Battle of Jericho, Jericho, Jericho
Joshua fought the Battle of Jericho
and the walls came a-tumbling down
God didn’t say the walls would fall immediately. He didn’t say it would be easy. He said, “I have delivered Jericho into your hands.” To claim the victory that was already theirs, Joshua and his army had to trust God and his promises.
How many times do you think they considered stopping because what they were doing didn’t seem to make a difference? Do you think Joshua’s army felt a bit foolish marching around the gated city while soldiers looked on? Yet Joshua stayed focused on the task at hand. He didn’t stop. Even after six days of doing what he needed to do, he kept going.
Are you Dealing with a Day Six?How close have you come to stopping when something seemed too difficult or impossible to achieve? How many times have you come to your Day Six, but decided to quit because it was too hard or you didn’t see any reason to continue? Ask God for His direction regarding your struggle. If you seek wisdom from God, he will tell you to whether keep pushing through or cut your losses.
Sometimes the pain of pushing on is so deep it may seem easier to just quit. How can I figure out if the struggle is worth it?
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Hang in there with whatever you’re dealing with! You may be at Day Six and not even know it.
What say you?What do you wonder about? Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.
Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.
The post Is the Struggle Worth It appeared first on Robin Luftig.
February 20, 2024
Lessons Learned in Aisle 9
When I was a young mother of two toddlers, I remember getting annoyed with older ladies who would try to talk with my children and me while we shopped for groceries. Little did I realize the awesome opportunities that I could have grasped in these encounters. I had no idea those moments were packed with wisdom and that there were lessons to learn in aisle 9.
Back then, when I entered the store I was on a mission–to grab what I needed and get out of the store before missing naptime. But these ladies seldom seemed to sense my urgency. Often I’d feel a soft touch on my arm, followed by kind words.
“Is she always this adorable?”
“What a little man he is!”
These ladies, sometimes dressed to the nines, would get down to the tot’s eye level and tell them how wonderful they were. Then they would smile at me as if we shared a secret. More times than not, my youngsters would look to me for support–and protection.
Oh, boy …Not only did these ladies miss my urgency they also missed my level of anxiety. Didn’t they see how rushed I was? Didn’t they see that by entering my children’s space they terrified them? More times than not, my littles were often startled … confused … sleepy, or hungry. I didn’t understand these women. Didn’t they recognize that I was focused on my mission?
It's surprising what can be found in a grocery store. If you're open to it, there may be lessons to be learned in Aisle 9.
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As a self-described oldster, these days I enjoy shopping for groceries. While meandering the aisles, I look for hidden deals. I check out the produce for the perfect vegetables. The sweetest fruits.
I also watch other shoppers. When I come across shoppers who need help reaching a higher shelf, it makes me happy to offer assistance. When I see someone figuring out which toothpaste is the best deal, I offer my input. And when I see young tots, I often see a resemblance to my sweet babies of years gone by. A girl with blonde pigtails. A boy with skinned knees. Another boy singing “Jesus Loves Me” at the top of his lungs.
It’s all part of the adventure
When I left the store today, I realized I had become “that lady“. While times are different now, I know not to talk to children before clearing it with the parent. I had forgotten the look of frustration on a mother’s face when she has chores, shopping, and naps on her mind.
I challenged myself to keep my opinions to myself unless asked. that I could still enjoy the promise of challenging unknowns when I see struggling mommies with their precious young ones. But I need to enjoy it in silence.
There are, indeed, lessons to learn in aisle 9. Let’s offer a big serving of grace while we’re shopping. To the mothers as well as the well-meaning older ladies.
While You’re Here …My Christian brothers, you know everyone should listen much and speak little …
James 1:19 NLV
Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, now in audible! And don’t forget the other finds on my Book page. There’s something for everyone. Fiction and Non-fiction. Testimonial and devotional.
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February 13, 2024
Amends Are Always Heard
My palms were clammy as I knocked on her door. She and I had been friends years ago, but bad life choices I had made years earlier had separated us. Would she entertain rekindling a relationship with me again? Would my amendment be heard?
I wanted to tell her I was sorry for doing the things I had done—that I hoped she could forgive me for all my foolishness and sinful behavior. I wanted to tell her I realized that I hadn’t taken into consideration how others would be affected by my actions. That I now know I had made a real mess of things—my life. Bottom line, I wanted to tell her that I was sorry.
Beyond that, I also wanted to tell her there was good news to my story. That I had learned from my mistakes. Turned a corner. I was now on the way to becoming the person God intended me to be. My hope was she’d be happy for me and hopefully celebrate a Prodigal Daughter finding her way back home. That’s what I wanted. But that’s not what I got.
…But What I Got
When she opened the door, her eyes gave her away–first of unrecognition, then of remembrance. I saw it flash across her face as she remembered me. Then came the frozen smile. The smile one reserves for those we have to be kind to but would prefer not to know. Her lips smiled while her eyes shot daggers. She stepped outside, not letting me into her house.
The Conversation“Hi, it’s been a long time. How are you?” I asked, trying to warm the coolness between us.
“Good. Good.” Then with a polite, hushed voice, “You look good.”
I asked about her family. Her brothers and sisters. Her children and husband. I knew them all and had laughed over dinner with all of them. I had tucked her children to bed at night. She and I had been like sisters. Once.
“Good, good. We’re all good here.”
I took a deep breath. “I’m here to tell you I’m sorry about making a mess of things years ago. I did things that set into motion consequences I didn’t understand. And, well, I hurt you.” I reached for her hand. “Can you forgive me? I’d like to make things right between us again. Could you see your way to giving me a second chance?”
There it wasThere it was. I had exposed my emotional underbelly. I felt my chest tightening, waiting for her response. Every fiber in me wanted to hear that she’d allow me to earn her trust back. That’s when it happened: she pulled back, blinked, and looked down. “Don’t be silly, we’re good. I’m sorry, but I have … something to do. I have to go.”
“Maybe we can have coffee sometime?” I needed time to follow up and tell her about how I had changed. I had given my life to Christ and was a new creature. I wanted to see her authentic smile again.
But her painted smile remained. “Oh, I don’t know,” she purred.” My days are pretty full. But it was good to see you. Yeah, it was … good. Take care of yourself. I’ll give you a call sometime.”
With that, she backed into her house, closed and locked the door behind her.
Has This Ever Happened to You?Sometimes situations don’t go as planned. You follow your script, offer repentance—true repentance—and even ask for suggestions on how to rebuild trust.
You open up to being become vulnerable and transparent. And the door still closes in your face. You experience Christian invisibility—when you’re told things are good, but clearly they aren’t.
Forgiveness is for the person forgiving as much as the person who is forgiven
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Painful—yes. Not what you expect—yes. But all lost? Absolutely not!
Forgiveness is for the person forgiving as much as the person who is forgiven, and so are the effects of making amends. You may walk up to a door as I did and suffer the same shame and heartbreak but know–without a doubt–that the amendment did not go unnoticed. Apostle Paul tells us how to live as Christ designed in Romans 12:18, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” As far as it depends on you. Those words carry power and freedom.
Don’t Lose FocusIf it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Romans 12:18
If past friends shut you out of their lives because of the choices you made in the past, please never ever forget that those sins were covered by Jesus’ blood when he died for our sins.
If you need to walk up to a door like I did, know your audience includes Christ Jesus himself! He sees you and feels your conviction and broken spirit when you offer to make a relationship right. Know that even if your amends to your past friend isn’t enough for them—it was enough for Him. While He doesn’t take away consequences, He does take away shame.
When making amends doesn’t seem to be enough, focus on whose opinion counts the most. Focus on Christ. And if you do not know Christ, oh, friend, please ask to know him right now. Your heart will forever be changed.
repost from 06/13/2016While You’re Here …
Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, now in audible! And don’t forget the other finds on my Book page. There’s something for everyone. Fiction and Non-fiction. Testimonial and devotional.
The post Amends Are Always Heard appeared first on Robin Luftig.
February 6, 2024
Prepare to Hear Whispers
The Fresco of the Prophet Elijah by Josef Kastner the Younger from the end of 19 century
Elijah—a powerhouse for God—experienced one of the greatest adventures of the Old Testament. He was invited to approach God. But that invitation didn’t prepare him to hear His whispers.
Scripture tells us throughout the Old Testament that to see the face of God was to die. But God had a plan for Elijah as told in 1 Kings 19.
Elijah Prepared for GodThe Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.
1 Kings 19:11–12
Elijah experienced a great disaster. After a wind crumbled the mountains, there was an earthquake and fire. But God was not in the disaster. When Elijah left the cleft in the mountain, he covered his face and stepped out. He was in the gentle whisper after.
What Does This Mean to Us?When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
1 Kings 19:13
I read social media post after post of winds, storms, and fires that are sweeping over our country. While we look for answers to end the chaos, maybe we need to anticipate the whispers that come after.
Wars are abounding. Lawlessness is rampant. Floods are overtaking our coasts. Today’s storms are getting bigger.
Just as God loved Elijah and He loves us, too. Just as God came to Elijah in a gentle whisper, we need to be alert to God’s whisper to us as well.
Storms are powerful, but they are not bigger than the One who created them. Fires and floods can take away a life-long accumulation of possessions but they do not dominate the Author of Life. Mourn with those who fear storms and suffer loss, but let’s listen for that still voice that calls to us.
When chaos and destruction fill you with fear, don't forget to prepare your heart to hear the whispers of God.
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Let’s seek the Creator of the storm. Let’s prepare to see Him. We can start by preparing to hear the whispers.
While You’re Here …
Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, now in audible! And don’t forget the other finds on my Book page. There’s something for everyone. Fiction and Non-fiction. Testimonial and devotional.
The post Prepare to Hear Whispers appeared first on Robin Luftig.
