What now?

A great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper... a voice ...said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 1 Kings 19:11-14

The Bible says that when Elijah went out to the mountain to look for the Lord, he felt alone and worn out. And as he stood there, wind, earthquake, and fire passed by (it sounds like California!) But Elijah could not find the Lord in the disaster -- He came in the sound of a low, soft voice. And the voice empowered Elijah! "What are you doing here?" Then the voice told Elijah to "go" -- to go and find the support that God had waiting for him. To "go" and do the work that was left for him to do.

As the fires begin to come under control, and people begin to go back to what has been left in its wake, we are overcome with the images of devastation. Devastation that leads to confusion, fear, frustration, and despair. At times like these it is natural to ask "why" -- and it is important to allow ourselves to grieve and to express all the emotions that we are feeling. God does not resent our questions, nor does He abandon us in our raw and real emotions.

It is OK to ask "why," -- but it is empowering to ask "where", "what", "how", and "who".

Where do we go from here?

What is our purpose here in this place, now at this time?

How do we proceed?

Who does God want us to reach out to and reach out for?

God provided the sustenance that Elijah needed, physically, emotionally, spiritually, and relationally to do the work that was required. Ask God the questions you are feeling -- He has more than answers, He has help waiting for you.