Kerith

 Collin Smith is speaking this week on "The surprising influence of a Godly Life"

These are my thoughts after his sermon Sunday morning:

"One, two, three, four, five. Ready or not! Here I come!" These exhilarating words have chimed in and out of school halls, babysitting afternoons and lazy days in the park. As children we light up at the thought of tucking our small bodies away in crevices and corners in order to be found. We live for the tickle in our tummy.
As we grow older, we hide not for game's sake but for embarrassment and avoidance of confrontation. Peeking around the corner no longer carries an exhilarating thrill but a lurking doom with the potential of being found out. Whether child or adult, anticipation and a jump in the pit of your stomach await you at the sight of your seeker.
To be hidden by God is a different thing all together.
Elijah was hidden by God in the valley called Kerith. (1 Kings 17) He was held in the palm of God's hand for a season; a period of growth, self reflection, patience. A season of quietness.
We may have a vision of what we should be doing or accomplishing. Most of us have bought in to the pattern of our culture; planning our future in order to marry and have a successful job in a respectable and timely fashion. Many who experience failure or sudden change of direction live in bitterness. We fail to accept where God provisionally places us in life.

Where does our childish anticipation go when we are placed in Kerith?
Rather than a shooting thrill at the phrase "ready or not," we dread the potential discomfort and the inevitable red flush of shame. Whether we are ready or not, God has the best path marked out.
For it is in hiding when we are found out. In the dark cool place where you wait on God, naked and kneeling, enclosed on all sides by a tent of grace, you are known. "Lovers desire to be alone together" When you close the door you avail your soul to gaze solely on your Lover; a devoted righteous romance awaits you in the valley.

God hides us. His will.
God leads us. His protection.
God feeds us. His provision.

Welcome the quiet waiting periods where growth occurs in resting trust.