"And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake 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 a still small voice" (I Kings 19:11-12).

God's awesome power and might come readily to mind as one contemplates being confronted in sin. But for a believer who has walked with God, the Lord's reproof is not one of thunderous confrontation. Much as a loving father tenderly deals with an errant child, our Father longs to deal with our offense and restore fellowship.

Recollect God's dealing with Adam in the Garden of Eden. "And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?" (Genesis 3:9). God's still small voice asked the rhetorical question that brought conviction and opportunity for restoration. God's prophet Nathan confronted a sinful king David with a simple story of injustice. "And David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die: . . . And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man" (II Samuel 12:5,7). Christ Himself provided an illustration of loving confrontation.

After being forsaken and denied by His disciple Simon Peter, the Lord met with him alone and asked a penetrating question: "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?" (John 21:15). After the mighty wind, earthquake, and fire in our text, God spoke to the prophet in a still small voice: "What doest thou here, Elijah?" (I Kings 19:13). May we hear the still small voice of God as He invites us to confess our sin and then enjoy restoration. DW