When God Questions!

In Genesis 3:9 God asked Adam a searching question:
“But the LORD God called to the man and said to him, “WHERE ARE YOU?’” (ESV)

In I Kings 19:9 God asked Elijah a probing question:
“There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said to him, “WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE, ELIJAH?’” (ESV)

Could God not find Adam and Eve as they hid among the trees in the garden ( Genesis 3:8)? Was God searching as in a game of “Hide & Seek”? Of course not! The God who is omniscient (all knowing) and omnipresent (everywhere) knows exactly where each one of us is physically, intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually at any point in our lives.

Did God not know what Elijah was doing in the cave? Was God unaware of the discouragement Elijah was experiencing? Was God probing the mind of Elijah to find out what he was up to? Of course God knew what was going on with Elijah because His purpose at this time was to give this prophet the encouragement he needed to then go on and perform the task God had for him.

When we feel God asking us “Where are you?” or “What are you doing here?” the real thrust of the questions is “DO I KNOW?”

The church in Ephesus was warned:
“Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.” ( Revelation 2:5 ESV)

This group of Christians needed to SEE THEMSELVES WHERE THEY STOOD in relation to where they once were.

The church in Laodicea was exhorted:
“For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” ( Revelation 3:17 ESV)

These Christians were in need of OPENING THEIR EYES TO THEIR ACTUAL SPIRITUAL CONDITION.

It is important for us INDIVIDUALLY TO REALIZE WHERE WE ARE in relation to where God is and wants us, otherwise we become complacent with where we are and we make no spiritual progress. If our eyes depart from His direction we can become side-tracked and soon find our life off course.

As you read the Scriptures, hear God’s searching and probing questions. Let His message then direct you on His course and equip you to do His will. We must seriously COME TO GRIPS WITH WHERE WE ARE AND WHAT WE ARE DOING IN RELATION TO GOD’S WILL. May our individual prayer be, “Lord, open my eyes that I may see as YOU see me.”

Have a great day ENLIGHTENED BY GOD!
Carl
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[This focus was originally sent 09/14/1998, (Edited some and the passages have been changed to ESV)]

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