in the whisper than in the earthquake // 2011.08.07

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We always equate God with power. When we think of God, it's much easier to remember Him dividing the Red Sea, or with the ten plagues. We picture Him with thunders and loud sounds of the earth shaking before His presence.

But today's reading shows us something different. A strong and heavy wind passed. An earthquake and a fire came. And yet, God was not there. Then a tiny whispering sound came, and Elijah knew he is in God's presence.

We have the same challenge in our time. We are tempted to look for God in what the world tells us we need to achieve. We look for God in success, money, popularity and the likes, only to find ourselves still empty.

Elijah reminds us that the Lord has a gentle voice that asks we silence ourselves to listen. We have a God who seeks intimacy rather than show of power and majesty. We have a God that teaches us that love does not require grandeur, but an open heart that seeks to know Him more and more.