Who's Driving?

“What are you doing here?” Speaking to His prophet, the question the Lord asked Elijah in 1 Kings 19:9 leads us to believe he wasn’t where he should have been. Instead of rejoicing that God had just displayed His might and sovereignty, proving to all the onlookers that He alone was the One True living God, Elijah fled at Jezebel’s threat to take his life.

God knew why Elijah hid in the cave, yet repeated His question, expecting an answer. The weary man answered, assuming he was the last of God’s prophets left alive. But hearing the Lord’s reply that seven thousand prophets still faithfully served Him, Elijah learned his assumption was wrong (v. 18).

Have you been to “that place” where you stayed a while, hiding from God and depending on yourself to soothe your fears and life’s disappointments, making impulsive decisions and incorrect conclusions? That place you revert to when you’re afraid, weary, angry, frustrated, or confused may be a physical location like Elijah’s cave or your inward thoughts.

“The fear of man bringeth a snare, but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.” Proverbs 29: 25

Are you where you should be? Fear and self-pity, and wrong conclusions distort the truth of where you are when you’re out of place with God—they can push you into the domain of falsehoods. Sometimes our adversary is instrumental in driving us to where we are, but other times, our hands hold the steering wheel.