Staying in the cleft.

With Autumn ending in a few days, it has already felt like Winter has come early in Melbourne. I have already broken out the scarves, hat and gloves ready for the windy days and bone-chilling mornings. While we as humans, do not hibernate, I often wish we did. Staying out of the storms is always a good way to be.

Elijah the prophet, had many storms. In fact, he often had to take a stand where few were supportive of his unwavering faith in God. Living in a idol-worshipping community, where the poor were downtrodden and crime was rife, meant Elijah felt he was alone in a sea of people who had forgotten their creator God.

Despite the fact that Elijah had triumphed over the evil Queen Jezebel and her cohorts, he had journeyed to the mountain of God and remained in a cleft, feeling the lowest he had ever been. He saw little hope that any faith remained, but after experiencing God's storms, and His still small voice, Elijah realized he was not alone.

There were faithful among the pagan masses, they had resisted the temptations offered by Jezebel and the weak king Ahab. Elijah had comfort that God had supported the devoted Israelites, just as He had done for the prophet. God showed Elijah that He always has a plan, even if it is not yet seen.

Furthermore, God showed Elijah that there would be people to back him up (Elisha, and Jehu) and prevent the evil actions around him. Elisha would eventually succeed Elijah in his ministry. and Jehu would succeed Ahab's wicked royal family. God assured Elijah no storm lasts forever, and He protects those He loves.

Through the storms of the past few weeks, God has shown me that He is always present, and He always has a plan in place for every eventuality. God's word shows us that He remains the same and it is in His comfort and love, we can seek refuge in the cleft through the storms of life. God's love endures forever.