What Are You Doing Here?

When was the last time you were certain that you were in the exact place that God wanted you to be, in that moment? If you have a hard time answering that question, how about this one: When was the last time you knew you were absolutely NOT where God wanted you to be? If you’re still struggling, maybe this question is a better one: Do you ever ask yourself if you are in the right place? In the place that God wants you to be? It could be in a big picture sense like a season in your life, or it could be much more location-specific and in the moment. If you’ve never asked yourself that question, then I hope after reading this post, you’ll start asking.

During my walk this morning I listened to a message by Erwin McManus (Lead Pastor of Mosaic Church in Los Angeles) called, “I am Here”. The passage was based on 1 Kings 19. Specifically, verses 9 and 13 where God speaks to Elijah in a cave and says, “What are you doing here Elijah?”

There is so much to this story. In the previous chapter, Elijah took out 850 prophets of Baal and Asherah in an epic showdown by calling down fire from God. Not a bad moment. In the very last verse in chapter 18 it says, “the hand of the LORD was on Elijah”, as he proceeded to outrun the King’s chariot. Then chapter 19 starts with the King’s wife, Jezebel, vowing to repay Elijah by taking his life. By verse 4, Elijah is basically praying that the LORD take his life. Wow, that escalated quickly!

I have my own history with God and this chapter, and this same question. A number of years back I was in a stretch where I couldn’t hear His voice clearly. At all, actually. It went on for a period of weeks, if not longer. When I went on a weekend retreat, I determined in my heart that enough was enough, and I was going to figure out why. I sat at the edge of a lake praying and pleading to hear God speak. While I didn’t really here His voice initially, after about two hours I was led to open my Bible to 1 Kings 19. As I read the words, “What are you doing here Elijah?” I immediately heard God’s voice. Finally. “What are you doing here, Bud?” I proceeded to tell him. It’s a much longer story, and not the point of this post necessarily, but His answer was ultimately, “I have been speaking to you, you just don’t like what I’ve been saying.” Ouch.

Fast forward to several months ago when I was in Idaho on a different kind of spiritual retreat. My first day there, the Lord led me to again open my Bible to 1 Kings Chapter 19. I wasn’t sure why, until I looked at the commentary notes at the bottom of the page. In those notes, it stated that sometimes we just need to get away from the distractions, be quiet, and just listen for His still small voice to bring us peace. Wow. That was exactly why I made the trip! And exactly what I needed to hear. Such wonderful confirmation.

And it was in that moment that I knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that I was precisely where He wanted me to be at that point in time. In that moment, and for my entire week there, I felt peace. I felt joy. I felt comfort. I felt safe. All these words are often associated in being in the place He wants us to be.

Contrast that with feelings and words that come into play when you are not where He wants you to be: anxiety, nervousness, guilt, fear, uncertainty, lost. And many others.

I pray this post encourages you to consciously think about where you are in terms of His will for you, and to discern the answer. Be it “big picture” or “in the moment”. May you become more sensitive to that still small voice that tells us where we are, and to help us course correct, if necessary.

As always, thank you so much for reading! If you found this helpful, please share it with someone else that you think would benefit, as well. Blessings!