1 Kings 19:13

Even the bravest among us can be afraid.

Elijah was a powerful man of God.  

He prays for rain and the heavens open ending a 3-year drought.
He defeats 500 prophets of the false god Baal in an epic duel.
He straps on his spiritual Nikes and outruns the king’s chariot.

Over and over and over again, Elijah sees God show up in amazing ways empowering him to do amazing things. But when an evil queen threatens his life, what does he do?

He runs for his life and hides in a cave.

Why would he do that?

Because even the bravest among us can be afraid.

What are you afraid of?
It’s OK to be honest. Life is full of scary things.
This week has been a reminder that the world is often a scary place.

As Elijah cowers in fear, the Lord tells him to go stand at the mouth of the cave. God is coming on site.

First comes a powerful wind, but the Lord wasn’t in the wind.
Then comes an earthquake, but the Lord wasn’t in the earthquake.
Then comes a blazing fire, but the Lord wasn’t in the fire.

Finally, a gentle whisper as God lovingly asks: “Elijah, what are you doing here? The cave of fear is not where I called you to be!”

Today, if you are feeling afraid, if you’re somehow in the cave, can you hear the gentle voice of God whisper your name as he asks, “What are you doing here?”

There is nothing to fear for the presence of the Lord is near.
He has proven himself over and over again.
He will show up in amazing ways.
He will empower you for what lies ahead.

So do not be afraid. God is with you. 

You can come out of the cave.