WHERE ARE YOU?

WHERE ARE YOU?

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Genesis 3:9

"And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?" KJV

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 59:2, Romans 3:23, Luke 15:17, Revelation 3:20, 2 Corinthians 13:5

INTRODUCTION:
After Adam and Eve sinned by eating the forbidden fruit, they hid from the presence of God. But God, in His mercy, called out to Adam, asking, “Where are you?” This was not because God did not know Adam’s location, but rather, it was a call to self-examination and repentance.

Today, God is still asking the same question: Where are you spiritually? Where are you in your relationship with God? Many people have drifted away from His presence due to sin, distractions, and worldly pursuits. This message will discuss the significance of this question and how we can respond to it.

1. WHY DID GOD ASK, "WHERE ARE YOU?"

The fact about God’s question to Adam was not physical location but about his spiritual condition.

a) To make Adam realise his fallen state (Romans 3:23)
Sin separates man from God, and Adam needed to acknowledge his new reality.

b) To give Adam an opportunity for repentance (1 John 1:9)
God was inviting Adam to confess his sin rather than hide in shame.

c) To show that sin leads to spiritual hiding (Isaiah 59:2)
When we sin, we tend to avoid God’s presence, just like Adam and Eve did.

d) To reveal God's desire for restoration (Ezekiel 18:23)
God did not abandon Adam but sought to bring him back to fellowship.

e) Biblical Example: Cain’s Questioning (Genesis 4:9-10)
God also questioned Cain after he killed Abel, giving him a chance to admit his wrongdoing.

2. WHERE ARE YOU SPIRITUALLY?
God’s question applies to us today. It challenges us to examine our spiritual lives.

a) Are you near or far from God? (James 4:8)
Those who seek God sincerely will find Him.

b) Are you growing or backsliding? (2 Peter 3:18)
Spiritual growth requires consistent fellowship with God.

c) Are you in light or darkness? (1 John 1:6-7)
Walking in sin separates us from the light of God.

d) Are you standing or have you fallen? (1 Corinthians 10:12)
We must remain vigilant, lest we fall into spiritual complacency.

e) Biblical Example: The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:17-20)
He realised he was far from his father and decided to return.

3. FACTORS THAT LEAD PEOPLE AWAY FROM GOD
Several things can cause a person to drift away from God’s presence.

a) Sin and disobedience (Romans 6:23)
Sin creates a barrier between man and God.

b) Worldly distractions (1 John 2:15-17)
Love for the world can replace devotion to God.

c) Spiritual laziness (Matthew 26:41)
Neglecting prayer and the Word weakens our faith.

d) Unresolved guilt and shame (Hebrews 4:16)
Instead of running from God, we should run to Him for mercy.

e) Biblical Example: Demas, Who Loved the World (2 Timothy 4:10)
Demas abandoned Paul because of his attachment to worldly pleasures.

4. HOW TO RETURN TO GOD'S PRESENCE
God’s call to Adam was an invitation to return. We can respond by taking steps toward restoration.

a) Acknowledge where you are spiritually (2 Corinthians 13:5)
Self-examination helps us see where we stand with God.

b) Confess and repent of sin (1 John 1:9)
God is faithful to forgive those who genuinely repent.

c) Seek God through prayer and His Word (Jeremiah 29:13)
A strong relationship with God is built through consistent fellowship.

d) Surround yourself with godly influences (Hebrews 10:25)
Spiritual growth is strengthened by Christian fellowship.

e) Biblical Example: Peter’s Restoration (John 21:15-17)
After denying Jesus, Peter repented and was restored to ministry.

5. GOD'S PROMISE TO THOSE WHO RETURN
God is always ready to receive those who turn back to Him.

a) He welcomes back the repentant (Luke 15:20)
God is like the father of the prodigal son, eagerly waiting for our return.

b) He restores lost fellowship (Revelation 3:20)
Jesus knocks at the door of our hearts, ready to restore intimacy with Him.

c) He gives new strength and grace (Isaiah 40:31)
Those who return to God will be renewed and empowered.

d) He removes condemnation (Romans 8:1)
There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

e) Biblical Example: David’s Restoration (Psalm 51:10-12)
After falling into sin, David repented, and God restored his joy.

CONCLUSION:
God’s question to Adam, “Where are you?”, is a call to self-examination, repentance, and restoration. Every believer must evaluate their spiritual standing and make the necessary adjustments to remain in God’s presence. No matter how far we have strayed, God is always willing to restore us if we return to Him with a sincere heart.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to always remain in Your presence.

2. Father, reveal to me any area of my life where I have drifted from You.

3. Lord, forgive me for any sin that has separated me from You.

4. Father, restore my passion for prayer, worship, and Your Word.

5. Lord, remove every distraction that pulls me away from You.

6. Father, give me the grace to walk in obedience to Your will.

7. Lord, restore my joy and fellowship with You.

8. Father, help me to stand firm in faith and not fall into backsliding.

9. Lord, draw me closer to You daily.

10. Father, I surrender my life to You afresh—lead me in Your ways.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You will not be lost in the crowd—God will always find you!

2. Every distance between you and God is removed today!

3. The Lord will restore everything you have lost spiritually.

4. No power will separate you from God’s presence!

5. Your spiritual hunger and fire will be reignited!

6. Every distraction drawing you away from God is broken!

7. You will walk in divine fellowship and intimacy with God.

8. Your heart will always be sensitive to God’s voice.

9. You will be rooted and grounded in Christ!

10. You will finish your race strong and victorious in Jesus’ name!

May the Lord help us to always stay in His presence and never drift away!