Just reading 1Kings 19 tonight, about Elijah, and how God spoke to him.
Most of the time, when we Christians think of God speaking to an old testament figure, it’s with this booming, overbearing, low-pitch voice & high reverb. “…THUS SAYETH THE LORD (ord,ord)”.
But I jus’ came across this part in 1 Kings & thought – Woah. It says, as Elijah stood there, The Lord passed by, and * a mighty windstorm hit the mountain (Sinai) – so terrible, it tore loose the rocks “But the Lord was not in the wind”. * Then there was an earthquake, “but the Lord was not in the earthquake”. * After the earthquake, there was a fire “but the Lord was not in the fire”. And after the fire, there was the sound of …
a gentle whisper.
…”what are you doing here, Elijah?”
The Lord goes on to tell him to stop running & hiding from his fears (vs. 2: Jezebel had a hit out on him). Instead, face them. Get back on the road, because there is some business to take care of.
This morning @ 6am, I awoke with sudden & terrible anxiety & thoughts of my son dying – not specific – just that he would die soon, and I need to spend as much time w/him as possible before he does. Well, I have been praying for the gift of discernment this week, but not without a LOT of wisdom first. I actually thought in my half-asleep stupor, that it could be the Lord. I got up and prayed over Braylon, went back to bed, and thought – That was NOT God. It started as a panic attack and lead to fear and thoughts of death. Perfect love drives out all fear. God did not give me a spirit of fear. His Word constantly says, “Do NOT be afraid”.
Then after that realization came, I heard other thoughts – like, “you need to start praying with Braylon, for your nation.” “His generation will be ruling it sooner than you think”. I pictured the map he had just colored beautifully of North America, displayed on my fridge door.
Sometimes fear can make me want to run away and hide – sometimes I’m too tired to fight. Or too disabled with worry. But the Lord always finds me where I am. He doesn’t chastise me for these things. He simply redirects.
“…but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire, there was the sound of a gentle whisper, ‘what are you doing here, Chelan?’ I have too many things for you to do right now – abandon this fear-cave. Go & be my warrior in prayer.”
Chelan 
Chelan,
One night during the Vietnam War I woke up crying. Tears were streaming down my face. I could seen children screaming for help. I heard the mortar rounds going off. I prayed for these children until peace came to me. Two or three days later I saw a picture of these same children running for their lives. A Marine unit went into their village and saved them.
I can not tell you how many times I have been called upon to pray. Often I am awaken in between 3 and 4 in the morning. I am wide awake. Individuals will come to mind with problems and concerns. I will pray until peace comes to me. Then I can go back to sleep. People from other parts of the world will email me and ask how I know what to pray.
About discernment. One way to discern is pride and humility. Even the most spiritual person can become prideful. Pride as it pertains to God’s work is an indication of being out of step. The humble person always give God the praise and glory.
I emailed your blog and testimony to Carolyn Hale in Australia. She has a blog Faith for Everyday Living at WordPress.
Ken and Maggie
“Going before God on behalf of others”
Thank you so much for taking the time for that.
I’ve been praying more lately, and will purpose to pray when I am awakened at night, now. It has happened the last 2 nights, and I believe it’s partly because of a spiritual breakthrough that is about to take place for my husband & I. I tend to think yes, it is the enemy trying to fight this to keep it from happening with the weapon of fear, but I must proclaim that no weapon formed against me shall stand. I will use that authority given me & speak the truth, aloud, in Jesus’ name. This has proven results for me and for my son who has battled a spirit of fear lately as well, as he goes to sleep. Worship music, the open Word of God and prayer before bed has all done wonders for his peace of mind in the last mo. and he has an entirely different demeanor now. No weapon formed. Praise God.
Thank you for your reminder about becoming prideful. I am often asking myself & the Lord & wondering if I am prideful. I want so much for any spirit of pride to leave me, esp. concerning the work of God and what he’s called me to do through music, for his Kingdom. I often pray for him to crush my pride, yet I feel it creep up in me or notice it as I talk about myself to people…mid-sentence. Then get discouraged again. Humility is one thing I long to have – as a way of life and as a covering over me, so that the work of his hands through me, may be blessed to the fullest. Yet beyond prayer, I don’t know any other way to battle this propensity…which is what discourages me. The Lord knows my heart is to be used to bring him (& him alone) glory and honor, yet I fall so short at times. I pray that he would see my repentance and grant me favor & forgiveness & that his Spirit would quickly prick mine the second I feel tempted to recv any credit at all, that is due Him.
I went to your blog & saw that you definitely believe in the power of prayer…so would you add me to your list, for this spirit of humility to reign in my life and that I be used to glorify God in my singing and all other areas? As well as prayer for *bringing people to the knowledge of Jesus…and * for provision for our family as we start a new home business (web design)? Thank you again, Ken & Maggie.
Chelan