WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE, ELIJAH?

WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE, ELIJAH?

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Kings 19:9-13
Supporting Texts: Jeremiah 1:5, Isaiah 41:10, 2 Timothy 1:7

INTRODUCTION:
God’s question to Elijah, "What are you doing here?", was not about location but about purpose. Elijah had just called down fire from heaven (1 Kings 18:38) and witnessed a great victory, yet he fled in fear from Jezebel’s threat. His journey to Mount Horeb was not commanded by God but driven by fear, discouragement, and exhaustion.

This same question applies to us today:

Are we running from our calling?

Are we letting fear drive us away from where God wants us to be?

Are we stuck in discouragement instead of moving forward in faith?

Let’s examine the significance of this question and what God expects from us.

1. GOD'S QUESTION EXPOSES OUR SPIRITUAL CONDITION
When God asked Elijah, "What are you doing here?", it was a call for self-examination.

a) Fear can lead to wrong decisions (2 Timothy 1:7)
Elijah, who had just stood boldly before Ahab, suddenly became afraid and ran.

b) Discouragement can cloud our faith (Psalm 42:5)
Elijah felt like he had failed, but God had not abandoned him.

c) Isolation can distort our perspective (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)
Elijah thought he was the only faithful one left, but God revealed there were 7,000 others.

d) Running from God’s assignment leads to frustration (Jonah 1:3-4)
Elijah's calling was in Israel, not in a cave on Mount Horeb.

Biblical Example: Jonah
Jonah also ran from his assignment, but God redirected him to fulfil His purpose.

2. GOD SPEAKS IN UNEXPECTED WAYS
Elijah expected God to appear in a dramatic way, but instead, God spoke in a gentle whisper.

a) God is not always in the spectacular (Isaiah 30:21)
Sometimes, we look for God in dramatic signs, but He often speaks in stillness.

b) God’s voice brings clarity (John 10:27)
When Elijah finally heard God, he was ready to listen.

c) We must be sensitive to God’s leading (Psalm 46:10)
In moments of distress, we need to silence distractions and hear Him.

d) God's presence is enough (Exodus 33:14)
Elijah thought he needed physical strength, but what he truly needed was God’s presence.

Biblical Example: Moses
Just like Elijah, Moses encountered God on Mount Horeb, and it changed his destiny.

3. GOD'S QUESTION IS A CALL TO RENEWED PURPOSE
God did not condemn Elijah but gave him a new assignment.

a) Our journey is not over (Philippians 1:6)
Elijah thought his ministry was finished, but God had more work for him.

b) God restores and recommissions (Isaiah 40:31)
Instead of allowing Elijah to remain in despair, God renewed his strength.

c) We must rise and continue (Micah 7:8)
Just as Elijah was sent back to his assignment, we must not stay in discouragement.

d) God's plan is bigger than our fears (Romans 8:28)
Jezebel’s threats did not cancel God’s purpose for Elijah.

Biblical Example: Peter
After denying Jesus, Peter felt unworthy, but Jesus restored him and sent him to feed His sheep (John 21:15-17).

CONCLUSION:
God asks us the same question today: "What are you doing here?"
Are you hiding in fear instead of standing in faith?
Are you listening to the enemy’s threats more than God’s promises?
Are you stuck in discouragement instead of walking in your calling?

God does not want us trapped in fear and frustration. He calls us to rise, listen to His voice, and move forward with renewed purpose.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to recognise where I have strayed from Your will.

2. Father, deliver me from every spirit of fear and discouragement.

3. Lord, open my ears to hear Your voice clearly.

4. Father, strengthen me to rise and fulfil my divine assignment.

5. Lord, silence every voice of the enemy speaking defeat into my life.

6. Father, let Your presence be my source of strength.

7. Lord, remove every distraction keeping me from Your will.

8. Father, restore my passion and zeal for Your work.

9. Lord, let me walk in obedience and purpose.

10. Father, make me an instrument of encouragement to others.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. You will not abandon your divine assignment in Jesus’ name.

2. Every fear holding you back is broken today.

3. You shall hear God’s voice clearly and walk in His direction.

4. No Jezebel will stop your destiny!

5. Strength and courage are coming upon you right now.

6. You will rise from every discouragement and fulfil your purpose.

7. The presence of God will go with you and give you peace.

8. Your divine calling shall not be wasted.

9. God is sending fresh fire upon your life and ministry.

10. You shall finish your race strong and victorious!