God’s Question, Asked Twice

Have you ever noticed that God asked Elijah the same question twice? "What are you doing here, Elijah?" (1 Kings 19:9,13) After Elijah's dramatic victory over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, you might expect him to be full of confidence. Instead, exhausted and afraid after Jezebel's threats, he fled into the wilderness. God did not rebuke him. He gave him rest, food, and His presence – not in the wind, the earthquake, or the fire, but in a gentle whisper. Then came the question. Elijah poured out his disappointment, fear, and loneliness. Yet after God's presence had refreshed him, the Lord asked exactly the same question again – and Elijah gave exactly the same answer. It makes us wonder whether Elijah was stuck. God had strengthened him, but his perspective had not yet changed. Perhaps we can be the same – so focused on our struggles that even after God provides rest and renewal, we keep telling the same story. Maybe today God is asking you, "What are you doing here?" Not as condemnation, but as an invitation. Are you hiding in fear when He is calling you forward? Have you settled into discouragement when He has more for you? Take this question to God in prayer. Let Him refresh your heart, renew your perspective, and lead you into the next step He has prepared for you. (Susan H). Open Bible – bit.ly/1Ki19vs9