God is powerful, in control and magnificent. He created everything in the world from the colorful fall leaves to the uniqueness of us as human beings. Yet, he’s also gentle and as quiet as the whisper of a soft wind that tickles our cheeks. In 1st Kings 19 the prophet Elijah stood on a mountain in Horeb. Though a great and strong wind passed that tore the mountains, it was the sound of a low whisper that let Elijah know he heard God’s voice calling to him. The great wind and earthquake were loud, but God’s voice was like a whisper. In order to hear it, Elijah had to be still and listen for it. I too have to remember to be still and listen for God’s gentle voice to me. But listening isn’t the hardest part, it is the waiting that follows.

I used to think I could handle anything if I knew the outcome. Lately I’ve realized it is not whether or not I know the outcome that causes me anxiety; it is the waiting until the outcome happens that causes me to worry if I heard God correctly. I imagine Abraham and Sarah experienced the same thoughts as they waited for 25 years for God to fulfill His promise to provide Isaac. I have recently felt I have heard God’s voice speaking to me through dreams, the parable of the widow seeking justice (Luke 18) and learning of a friend receiving a medical miracle. All pointed to continuing to approach His throne of grace with confidence (Hebrews 4:16) and believe nothing is impossible for Him (Luke 1:37).

At first I was full of hope and faith, but the enemy whispered doubts of “did God really say?”, the same trickery he told Eve in the garden (Genesis 2:1b). Instead of allowing that question to steal my hope I am going to God’s word and recalling that God really did say to ask (John 16:24). Jesus told the disciples the parable of the widow in Luke 18 so that they would always pray and not lose heart.

God hears us when we pray. James 5:17 says that Elijah was a man with a nature just like ours. He prayed in 1st Kings 17 that it would not rain and it didn’t rain for 3 years. Elijah trusted God to respond and provide for him. Likewise I can trust God to respond and provide for me. In the waiting is how I live out that trust. In my self-preservation I tell myself His answer is no in attempts to just move on. In doing so I am attempting to put words in God’s mouth, and I’m not trusting Him to decide on the answer. I’m also not trusting Him with His timing, with my disappointment or even my joy should He answer yes. Waiting reminds me that I’m not in control; anxiety flashes at that realization. But in the waiting I get to see God provide more than just an answer at the end; He refines me to be more patient, kinder, and faithful as I depend on Him.