I Kings 17:19
‘But Elijah said to her, “Give me your son.”
So he took him from her arms, carried him to the upper room where he was staying, and laid him on his own bed.’
The widow’s son died and she complained to Elijah. He took him to his room and prayed. This makes sense to me. Sometimes we pray in the moment, other times we go to our prayer closet and pray. I do the same with many things. Drawing away by myself and taking some time makes a difference.
In the moment we may have a reaction, but for me coming aside I get a different one or at least one that is more full. Mark 6:31 has Jesus coming aside. ‘And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.” (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.)’
Coming aside we can hear God’s still, small voice. The busyness of a day can leave a hum of activity inside us. At those times our sensitivity to hear from the Lord can be distracted. Coming aside can quiet our souls to hear from Him.
This circumstance is a big deal. The widow lost her son. She blamed Elijah for this. It ended up having a good end. They don’t always. Whatever the case we are to pray and seek God for help. We can’t predict what would happen, but we can be confident He’ll do something. Possibly working in the hearts of those involved.
He wants to use us in times like this. None of us is very significant. That’s ok. Jesus coming to earth was like that. But God did much through Him. So, He wants to use us. Pray, come aside for more guidance and so on. Watch the mighty things He’ll do.
Times alone are helpful. I can concentrate much better like this. Alone time with God is essential. David received one of the biggest complements given to a person in the bible, that he “was a man after God’s own heart”. By taking time to be alone with God is a step in that direction.
Our relationship with God deepens as we spend time with Him. James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” To know anyone, we must spend time with them. The same is true with our relationship with God. He wants to know us all. Jesus says in John 12:32, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth will draw all men to myself.” He’s doing that presently. We all have to choose to want to be drawn. He does respect our choice to say no. If we say yes, we’re in for a treat. We get adopted, His Spirit comes into us, He guides us, fills us, blesses us and uses us. We know God.
Lord, thank You that You meet us when we come aside with You. Thank You for the blessing of this. We are getting to know You. Thank You.