Recently, I preached from 1 Kings 19:11-13, where we find Elijah hiding in a cave on the mountain of the Lord. God calls him to step out and stand before His presence. As the Lord passes by, a mighty wind tears through the mountain, splitting rocks. Yet, Scripture tells us, the Lord was not in the wind.

After the wind came an earthquake—but the Lord was not in the earthquake. Then a fire swept through the mountain—but the Lord was not in the fire. Finally, after all the chaos, there came a still, small voice. Recognizing the presence of God, Elijah stepped forward and engaged in conversation with Him.

As I meditated on this passage, the Lord impressed a key truth upon my heart:

There are many things that happen because the Lord is moving, but that does not mean the Lord is in those things.

The wind, the earthquake, and the fire all occurred as the Lord was passing by, but His voice—His presence and His direction—were found in the stillness.

Could it be that the failures we are seeing in leadership today are a sign that God is preparing to move powerfully? I believe so. But in the midst of it all, we must be listening for His voice. Faulty foundations are being exposed and dealt with—not to destroy, but to prepare the way for what God wants to establish.

Led by His Voice, Not Headlines

I grew up in a time when some believers looked to current events to interpret what God was doing. Some even predicted Christ’s return based on “the signs of the times” in the headlines. But as followers of Jesus, we are not led by headlines—we are led by His voice.

When teaching people to hear from the Lord, we often encourage them to ask, “Based on the Scripture we are studying, Lord, what are You speaking to me about me?”

In a season where so many are trying to discern what God is saying about others, let’s be a people who are first and foremost seeking His voice for ourselves. Each of us is called to obey and serve the One who redeemed us through His death and resurrection.

This doesn’t mean we ignore the brokenness around us or turn a blind eye when accountability or restoration is needed in leadership. But those who are truly called to walk alongside that process are not playing it out in the court of public opinion. Our responsibility is to listen for God’s voice within the sphere of authority He has entrusted to us.

Value Your Own History With God

Never underestimate the significance of your personal history with God. It’s easy to hear remarkable testimonies of how God is using others and feel like our own experiences are insignificant in comparison. But don’t fall into that trap. The voice of the Lord is what each of us must follow—no matter the winds, earthquakes, or fires happening around us.

God is moving. Everything that can be shaken will be shaken. But His Kingdom is advancing in power.

As we step into this next season, let’s not be distracted by the noise. Let’s listen for Him.

Prayer

Father, in the midst of the noise, the shaking, and the fire, teach us to listen for Your still, small voice. Help us discern Your presence—not just in visible movements, but in the quiet places where You speak to our hearts.

Guard us from distractions, from chasing after headlines instead of seeking Your heart. Keep us from pride and comparison, from judging others while neglecting Your whisper to our own souls.

Lord, we want to be faithful stewards of what You reveal, walking in obedience, humility, and unwavering trust.

Let Your voice lead us, Your Spirit sustain us, and Your Word anchor us as You move in our generation.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.