Clarity and Purpose

Was the Lord suffering from a dose of short-term memory loss…

1 Kings 19.9b-18

Reference:  v.13  When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.  Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" (NIV Bible)

Explore:  Being asked to apply for a new job can often bring many different emotions all at once.  You feel affirmed that someone has noticed your working ability and thinks you would add value to their oganisation.  However, it can bring confusion as you reassess whether you currently feel fulfilled in your present job, whether you would be competent in the future possibility and if you are prepared for a change. While all these differing emotions can send you into a bit of a spin once you come out the other side you feel you have greater clarity and purpose in what you have chosen.
In this passage God is asking Elijah, 'What are you doing here?'  Now this is an interesting question from God.  If you believe in an all-power, ever-present, all-knowing God then you will realise that God already knows the answer to this question.  Not only that, by when he asks Elijah this question in verse 13 he has actually already asked him and received an answer from verse 9-10.  The Lord was not suffering from a dose of short-term memory loss.  He does know all things.  But he did have purpose in his question…

Application:  Often when we are asked a question – be it from God or someone else – it gives us the opportunity to think through our present situation and gain clarification on our past, present and foreseen future.  While churning through the answer to these big questions can be difficult, gruelling and time consuming, we often find that in the end he have greater purpose and direction in the next phase of our life.  God does not bring these questions in to our lives to torment us but to give us the opportunity to assess and move on with clarity and purpose.

Prayer:  Lord, while sometimes I whinge at having to reassess, thank you for these opportunities to search deeper into my abilities and my direction.  Amen.

When have you experienced a time of reassessment?  Would it be helpful for you to reassess your position now, even without a job opportunity present?

1 Kings