I haven’t been writing much.

Discouragement has been knocking on my door in many fashions and distractions of life, ministry and priorities push my words to the wayside.

But my words, they are important. My words can insight life changes. My words lift and speak truth. And my words, they also cause thoughts of anger and disjointedness among those who like to be louder.

I insta-story the Gospel and life. It causes strife and under-handed responses from those who declare love for me while garnishing hearts.

I share my story on social media. They tell me I speak of it too often while hitting that like button.

I stand on the corner praying, calling out, holding signs. I am scoffed at, mocked, and told that I am too risky.

I suppose if I painted myself in vulgarity and stood for things not of faith, my voice would seem louder. If I joined the popular cultural Christian movement and leaned on feelings, my coolness level would rise above. If I bashed, called names or made fun of people on apps, I might get all the shares and shout-outs. My volume would accelerate and I would be insta-famous.

The platform is too small, the followers are missing, and the voice is too quiet. No amount of right seems to be working.

This is when I remember God’s voice.

The Lord called to Elijah in a still small voice, reminding him as well as us that He doesn’t need thunder and a big show to demonstrate His power. He causes waves as well as small ripples to change and influence those in which He has exhorts to preach His Word. He sends a mist or a deluge to those He charges to minister to the masses or on a personal level. He sends a whirlwind or a gentle breeze to stir up action in His name. My voice doesn’t need to be loud to make a difference for the kingdom.

This is when I reflect. We should all reflect.

1 King 19: 11-12

The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”

Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake.  After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 

Although we could not find the Lord in those powerful acts, He was still there, waiting to whisper to His servant. He didn’t make a scene or bring down His fist. God called in a small breath.

Imagine if we stilled ourselves long enough to hear His call. Think about how much of an impact our witness could leave if we silenced our self-doubts or puffed up attitudes long enough to seek His gentle guidance. Would waiting on the Lord ultimately make His voice louder in our lives? Would He speak truths and love in hushed voices louder than any unfiltered obscenity?

Could our sidewalk counseling, insta-story testimony of truth be heard by the one who needed it the most when we keep a humble stance in faith?

I don’t want my kingdom work to feel futile. I do have feelings like the rest of society. God gave us emotions because we are made in His image. Love emanates from His very being and righteous anger at the fallen world arises from His pained heart. Futility shouldn’t follow us, but our spirits sometimes feel deflated along our paths.

When we rely on His quiet calling and seek out His ways, our mission will take flight and change the world. We may not see it right in front of us or receive the feedback that we desire. But in the end, we know that the kingdom wins. The Lord wins and uses our lives to accomplish this victory.

When we rely on His quiet calling, and seek out His ways, our mission will take flight and change the world. Click To Tweet

Do not give up, Christian. I will not give up either. When I feel meek and defeated, I will remember those heroes of the faith who have gone before me and paved a way for others to find the Kingdom.