“What are You Doing Here?”

Christie G

People react differently when faced with significant challenges or threats that demand our full attention. For some, they take action to tackle issues head-on; motivation is sparked and drive is ignited to push through obstacles. For others, they default to avoidance with hopes that things will resolve on their own, all the while feelings of worry and anxiety about what might go wrong rage internally.

Encountering difficulties also offers something I find more valuable when walking with God. They offer a chance to reflect on personal beliefs—sometimes questioning old assumptions, such as lies from the enemy; or strengthening current views, such as what is true about God. Either way, these kinds of experiences are universal: everyone faces challenges at some point, no matter what their status, background, or family history.

Difficulties will arise either from uncontrollable circumstances or personal choices.

Personally, when faced with a challenge and responding negatively, a deeply rooted lie will surface. When responding calmly and peacefully, the truth of God is found to be alive and active, and once more, faith is strengthened. Not from circumstances changing in a most favorable and comfortable way, but because no matter what has or is happening, the Lord is somewhere in it all.

No matter which way our response goes, one thing is certain: we have a choice to make. Muscle through it on our own or seek the Lord and surely find Him.

An example I have turned to often is of a well-known prophet we find in the book of 1 Kings. His name is Elijah. The miracles documented in scripture that God performed through him are truly remarkable and captivating. But just like every person God uses, it is evident that we are not perfect. We all fail at times, but God never leaves us. We all grow weary at times, but God is faithful. We all are weak at times, but God is who He says He is, always.

In 1 Kings 19:9-13, we find Elijah on Mount Horeb, the mount of God, and the Lord speaks to him there. Elijah is on the run from Jezebel, the wife of the current king of Israel, King Ahab. Jezebel is out for Elijah’s life after he humiliated and then slaughtered the prophets of Baal. Why does this matter? Jezebel was not a woman of God; she was a follower of the false god Baal. Ahab did many things to provoke God’s anger, including taking Jezebel for a wife, serving and worshiping Baal.

It goes without saying that Elijah is confronted with a challenge he simply cannot ignore. He is terrified, and while he ran from the challenge set before him, he also ran to God.

We begin our main event with Elijah on the Mount of God waiting to meet with the Lord Himself. God begins by asking Elijah, “What are you doing here?” In summary, Elijah responds with a detailed explanation of how he had been on God’s side, doing the work he thought to be right while all of Israel was breaking their covenant with God. Now, as the last one left in Israel to serve God, they want to take his life. God responds by telling Elijah to stand on the mount.

“And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”” (1 Kings 19:11-13 ESV)

There is more to this story as well as many theological explanations and insights that take the meaning in multiple directions. However, have you ever read through Scripture and felt God teaching you something that would impact your life in a way you didn’t see coming? This is one of those moments, and one I feel led to share with you.

So, let’s focus on one question, asked twice. “What are you doing here, Elijah?” We begin and end our portion of this story with that same question. The way I see it, God was trying to get Elijah to admit how terrified he was after what he did. Once Elijah could admit his fear, God revealed His power. Elijah already knew how powerful God was. He had already witnessed many miracles that God did through him. But this time Elijah did not find God in these miracles. The wind, the earthquake, the fire, they were all reminders to Elijah of what God was capable of. But even during miraculous moments, God wanted Elijah to find Him, not just notice the act. It wasn’t until the whisper that Elijah found God.

What happens when someone whispers to you? They get so close they are cheek to cheek with you. You can feel their breath on your face. It is an intimate personal space that you only hold for people you trust. You lean even closer and carefully listen to every word spoken. You know that if it is in need of a whisper, it must be extremely important, and you are the only one chosen to hear it.

After the whisper, we hear God ask the question a second time, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” As if God were reminding Elijah of what He was capable of, the power He beholds, and Who He is. Also reminding him that he has God as close as a whisper! So, what exactly could Elijah be afraid of?

God gives instructions but knows our humanity and that we will fail at times. He has already accounted for our shortcomings. But even with that in mind, God’s plans will still prevail. No matter what the situation looks like on paper, God is still sovereign, and we simply need to trust Him. He will use everything, even the mistakes, to further His plans. That is how faithful our God is.

Now my friend, I ask you. What is going on in your life right now? What is it that strikes fear in you? Do you know how big and powerful the God is that you serve? Did He set instructions before you, but you may have altered the way you executed them? Do you feel too far gone? Or that you messed up what you were supposed to do too much? God is bigger than all of that. God is more powerful than all of that, and God is as close to you as a whisper!

I urge you, remind your fears of your God. Remind your current situation of the power that stands before you, beside you, and all around you. God does not succumb to a doctor’s report or a bankruptcy notice. God does not bow down to His lost children that are on a forgotten path. God does not throw His hands up and say, “Well, I guess there’s nothing we can do now!” God can and will move in your life. Seek Him and you WILL find Him. It may not look the way you wanted, but if you take a moment to seek His perspective, you just may see how much more is going on in your situation.

I leave you with this, if you find yourself in a place of hopelessness today, ask yourself, what am I doing here? Then seek Him above all else. I pray He gives you His eyes, even for just a moment. And I pray your faith will be strengthened.