I’m wondering what you think of when you hear that phrase? If you have heard about this remarkable place? And do you realise it could change the course of your life forever?
Today I would like to lead you into a secret and fresh revelation that comes from a most intriguing story in the bible. This story holds an incredible truth that’s been waiting for this moment in time to open.
So the question begs are you up for a journey which will hold Greater FREEDOM, RESTORATION & RE-DIRECTION in your life?
The Thin Silence is: the threshold through which we cross over to the reality of God’s presence.
Elijah is the character who experienced the Thin Silence for us, we read about in 1 Kings 19, let’s be all in, and go to 1 King 19.
As we open this chapter we start at a ‘point break’ which is one of the defining moments in life, that has the greatest reward or distraction for us depending on our answer that comes directly from our heart.
It was a question of ending our life? If I’m honest, I have been here, have you? I remember going through what I called my ‘Job experience’ (an experience like the character Job faced in the book of Job in the bible ) In that as I read Job’s story I could tick all the boxes off, except children dying, as I’ve never had the blessing or privilege of having my own children.
I remember clearly crying out daily this thought in this season “Lord either heal me or take me for this is just too much to bare.
My Job Experience looked like this: I had not slept in three months and if I did it was occasional and passing out from pain, unable to pray at times, sores were all over my body, my relationship with my wife in tatters, and other important relationships destroyed, and I was in financial ruin.
Have you been through these moments? Or maybe you are smack bang in a Job season, well take heart and keep reading for some keys, you are not alone!
All pain matters, I do not minimise your situation or the pain you experienced or are experiencing. I know that even though mine might have been different to yours we BOTH had the same CRY OF THE HEART and PRAYER.
Actually even Jesus had the same Heart Cry and Prayer. Remember the Garden of Gethsemane, and Jesus there, can you picture Him, His Heart Cry and Prayer. Go read again Matthew 26:39 “My Father, if there is any way you can deliver me from this suffering, please take it from me. Yet what I want is not important, for I only desire to fulfil your plan for me”
Ok back to 1 Kings 19:1-4 (NKJV)
Elijah Escapes from Jezebel
“And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, also how he had executed all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.” And when he saw that, he arose and ran for his life, and went to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.
But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, LORD, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!”
Wow! It does not matter whether the pain is physical, mental or spiritual it is all PAIN, and all have the same outcome, and end a question with a cry out and prayer, which is asking the Lord to take it away for it is too much to bare!
But why is it at these painful times some say, oh but hang on, remember all the incredible things he has done for The Lord, all he has seen, and the amazing miracles he has been a part, just like Isaiah previously had.
Well here’s a few of the things I’ve seen and miracles I’ve been part of, seeing a baby raised from death, calling a man out a coma, seeing my own brother in law healed of leprosy and restored back into a good job in his society. Awesome aye?
However anyone who’s gone through these Painfilled, Job Seasons and times can testify, the miracles and encounters of yesterday’s seem so faint and distant to our memory, when we are in the thick of these times.
And it’s in these times we often think our prayers are just not reaching our Father of the Heavens.
We think where are you God, why aren’t you moving on my behalf? Where are you God? Why have you forgotten me? Can you relate?
What if you knew that in most cases He is Crying more than you! How would and does that make you respond? Pause for a minute and think.
Next remember The Father was crying with Job, with Jesus, with Isaiah, and He was crying with me and with you.
He stays with us in and through the pain. He is right there holding out hand. Close your eyes and picture Him being with you, holding your hand. Comforting isn’t it? 🙂
We’re going to leave it there and pick up in Part 2 the biggie: The WHY question, the elephant in the room. Why me God? Why God don’t you take this burden? Where are you God in this? What about our expectations?
Challenge Time: Make Space, Grab your journal and Be with the Lord.
1. Ask the Lord what your default is? (the place you keep going back to) (Record what He says and wait as we will deal with this in Part 3)
2. Ask the Lord what default is He inviting you to have. (Record what He says)
3. Choice time – if you want the default God is offering, then say a prayer like “Father I choose to lay down my default (what He showed you) and choose to pick up Your default (what He has revealed) as my new default from today.
4. Ask the Lord where are You, and what You are doing in these painful times? (Draw or write what He says, take your time and it’s not race).
5. Father would you show your children the times You’ve been right there crying with them, Lord they want to see You and linger in His presence. Thank You Jesus Amen.
6. Thank Him for He is Faithful and Good Father.
Father, thank You for Your amazing, never ending, outstretched love that constantly reaches for us Your Sons and daughters. We are in awe that You cry and weep with us as we go through painful Job seasons, and we are grateful for the Glorious truth we are never alone, You Holy Spirit always are with us and in us to help us. In Jesus name. Amen.
Craig and Winnie Patten
Itinerate/Apostolic Leaders
Encounter Ministries
