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“There he went into a cave and spent the night. And the word of the Lord came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
(I Kings 19:9).
Growing up in northern Spain, one of my favorite pastimes was exploring the array of renowned and historically significant caves with my friends. As kids, we would freely explore the caves with no thought as to how dirty we were getting. When we started coming out of the cave at the end of the day into the light, we realized how dirty we were. The darkness of the cave masked the dirt and grime, but once exposed to the light, our true state became apparent.
Just like physical caves, spiritual caves can be places of exploration and discovery but also places where we can easily hide in the dirt and grime of our fears, doubts, and uncertainties. We can become isolated or stuck in our own personal struggles, like being trapped in a cave with no way out. Those fears and doubts keep us from moving into the light or seeking help. We forget that venturing out of a spiritual cave can also serve as a season where we grow, gain clarity, and find a new perspective on life.
Elijah’s story in 1 Kings is a powerful example of seeking refuge in a cave, both physically and spiritually. He fled to the cave out of fear after facing threats and experiencing overwhelming challenges. As he sat there in the darkness, he felt a deep sense of despair, isolation, and doubt about his purpose. But an amazing thing happened. He encountered God in a profound way—not in the mighty wind, earthquake, or fire—but in a gentle whisper, an often-overlooked way that God provides comfort and direction. Elijah came out of the cave toward His voice, both physically and spiritually.
This story also reminds us that even in our darkest moments, God sees us, reveals Himself to us, and speaks His truth over us. What a powerful reminder that no matter where you are or how deep in pain and darkness you are, God will still come to you. But like Elijah, we must also have the courage to step out into the light and confront our fears with the help of God and others who know and love us.
Friend, with God’s help, you can move from the darkness of your cave into the light of purpose and fulfillment. Remember, life is a journey—take it one step at a time.
In this season of thanks, I want to say how grateful I am for the time my wife, Dee, and I had this summer on our return to Spain where I grew up as a missionary kid. My mom still lives there, so it was an incredible blessing to be with her on her birthday along with a few family members and close friends. Additionally, I had the privilege of sharing the Word at Esencia Church in Santander, Spain, with fellow believers. Please pray with me that our brothers and sisters in Christ would remain strong and be a light in a country that desperately needs to hear of the saving grace that’s found in our Messiah, Jesus!
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