What are you doing here?

God did not desert Elijah, he had been with him every step of the way and he had provided for him on the journey. This does not mean, however, that he approved of what Elijah was doing or why he was where he was. In the past God gave Elijah directions, he told him to go here or there and to do this or that and every time Elijah had obeyed. This time when he spoke it was different. He not offer guidance or direction, he did not reveal the next stage of his plan, or explain to Elijah how provision would be made for him. This time the voice of God brought a question. More than that, the question brought an implied rebuke.

God asked Elijah “What are you doing here?” What was the tone of God’s voice; was it gentle and encouraging or merely inquisitive? Perhaps there was a hint of criticism or disappointment. Whatever the case Elijah responded by trying to justify himself. How often have you heard a similar question? Has it been when you have chosen a course of action that is not God’s will, or even presumed upon his grace and rushed ahead expecting him to merely bless your endeavours, and all you hear is a voice which asks ‘what are you doing?’ it may be that you have got involved in some questionable activity or business deal and suddenly hear the voice asking ‘what are you doing here?’ You might even have made a commitment to some course of action, to do some good works, maybe visit someone or provide some relief to the needy, perhaps you have decided you really need to spend more time with the family but instead you find our self at work, or in front of the TV or on the phone and hear a voice asking ‘what are you doing here?’

When we hear that voice we might do as Elijah did and try to justify ourselves.  We might say ‘I’ve tried really hard, I’ve been faithful, I’ve done my bit – but no one wants to help. It’s not fair all they do is criticize, complain and accuse.’ This is what Elijah did, he told God that He had been very enthusiastic in doing everything for the sake of God and his covenant but all he got was death threats. He didn’t actually explain what he was doing in the cave but maybe he thought God would understand. What Elijah perhaps didn’t understand is that if God asks you why you are in some place he probably doesn’t want you to be there and instead of finding ways to justify yourself you had better move.

Are you where God wants you to be right now? If God were to come to you and ask what you are doing where you are, how would you answer? I don’t just mean in the job you have, the school you go to, the house you live in or the church you attend, although all these things may be relevant. But what about the state of your mind, your attitude, and your behaviour? Where are you in relation to the plans and purposes he has for your life? Are you where you should be in your relationships with others? Is your spiritual life where it should be? How will you answer God – will you justify yourself even though you know you are wrong, will you speak out of your frustration and disappointment or will you honestly answer God and admit that you are far from where you should be but by grace and mercy you will go back to where you belong.

Of course you may be able to confidently answer God by saying ‘I am where you want me to be, I am waiting to hear your voice so that I can follow the directions you have to give me’. Praise God if you can, but Elijah couldn’t. It seems that after he answered God he returned to his cave unwilling to listen to what God had to say to him. When God asks this question of you, it is because he wants you to take time and reflect. Have you become so used to your circumstances, your job or your lifestyle you have forgotten why you are there? Have you retreated to a cave feeling a little disappointed, tired or disillusioned, is God asking you – ‘what are you doing here?’ Don’t wait to be asked twice.