THINGS TO DO IN A CAVE (OR… HOME ISOLATION) (ELIJAH)

Through this message, God is speaking to us in a timely way. If you haven’t heard the message yet, please listen to it!

Due to the emergency declaration influencing all of Japan at the moment, we refrain from going outside, which leaves us with a lot of time spent at home. How are you feeling about that? In the message, while Elijah was cooped up in a cave and feeling extremely weak, he prayed to God and cried out: “Let me die already!” However, God did not allow Elijah to die according to his prayer. God had other plans for Elijah, which included giving Elijah a future and hope. And now that same God has great plans for you while you are stuck at home and can’t freely do things as you wish during this emergency situation. That’s why you should do things you are able to do today! Just like how God asked Elijah, God is asking you, “What are you doing here?”

Here are 3 things to do in your cave!

1.LISTEN TO GOD (NOT YOUR OWN REPEATED COMPLAINTS)

Due to this situation, complaints easily pop up as long as you look for them. However, nothing positive is borne from complaints. On the contrary, with complaints, things will get a lot worse “inside the cave!” That is why we should cut clean the complaints that run in circles inside our heads, and instead choose to listen to God. We should open our Bibles and pray to God to “speak to us,” so that we will be able to receive God’s words despite any situation that tries to sway us. Also, in order for us to internalize those words, we should take notes on paper, our iPhones, or any other form.

2.GO BACK AND EXAMINE PAST LEADING

What did God say to you at the start of the year? What vision did you receive at Lifehouse Conference last year? Now, try to return to what God promised you and look at those dreams and visions. As Lifehouse Sendai’s pastor (Nobuki), my dream from the beginning of the year was: “Beyond what we can imagine, as many as the stars in the sky, many people met Jesus and were welcomed as sons and daughters of God.” With this message, I am reminded of that dream, and I am excited to say with confidence that it will happen.

What words from God would you like to return to?

3.DO THE NEXT TASK REQUIRED

Elijah was told whilst in the cave to start preparing the next leader to succeed him. For us, this is an important chance to do what we can to train someone important to us. If there’s someone who comes to mind, strengthen your tie to that person, encourage that person, and help that person start to grow while doing what you are capable of doing at the moment. Simultaneously, this is also a chance for you to approach those who are a step ahead of you in the same field or career and to help you grow. If someone comes to mind, contact them 🙂

Now, even when you are stuck at home, be a light that shines upon the world!