Questions God Asks 01: Where are You?

This is the first question that God ever asked. It is recorded, “Then the LORD God called to Adam and asked him, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9) It is a simple question, right? You can simply say, “I am in the house, I am on my way to town, I am at work,” et cetera. Did Adam answer the question easily? His answer was, “I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked, and I hid myself.” (Genesis 3:10)

That can tell us how hard the question might have been for Adam. This question had nothing to do with his physical setting; God is not limited by distance, and there is no place we can go and leave Him stranded asking where we are. Instead, a careful look at this question suggests God is talking about matters of the soul and alignment with one’s purpose in life. While asking about these essential issues, God is not asking them to get to know anything, but rather so that Adam can recognize himself and his condition.

Context

God does not want to shame Adam into declaring him naked and guilty. He is not coming to Adam fallen and disobedient and announcing such announcements as, “Adam, you are naked, and you must be saved, or you are going to die this very moment!” Instead, He asks Adam a question that will make him declare his own fall and understand his dire need for divine intervention.

When Adam declared that he heard God and hid himself, he equally admitted in this answer that something was wrong. Things are not as they have always been when Adam, faithful and true, looked forward to meeting the creator at the cool of the day. The fact that God’s presence makes him hide demonstrates that he is not true to duty anymore.

Just Imagine Adam was like the modern insincere men and women who hide their sins; what could he have told the Savior? Consider our responses like, “I will look for you in a few,” “I am not in a position to talk about it yet,” and many more. Instead, Adam made himself clear. “Father, I am hiding because I heard your voice in the garden.” So, when God asks, “Where are you?” He is still asking about our condition and faithfulness.

These days, this question is still coming our way through the Spirit of God. “Where are you in your spiritual journey?” “Where are you in your marital vows? Are you still faithful to “I do”? “Where are you in your tithing? Are you gladly toiling for the master?” “Where are you in your devotional life? Do you still enjoy the blessed hour of prayer?” “Where are you in parenting? Are your children well trained, or are they left to become what they may be?” And the list is endless…

When God asks, “Where are you?” we can only be safe in answering our exact condition honestly. He already knows everything and will come through for us with the best solution if we confess our need and distress. Some answers attract God’s intervention. Where are you?… “I am struggling with my devotional routine… I don’t know what to do… I am looking too long in the wrong direction… I am not finding much more interest in my matrimonial vows… I have eaten the forbidden fruit, and now Holy things are not as interesting to me as before…” Come on and tell God the truth!

When we sincerely tell God our standing in the critical issues about our lives―those that demand faithfulness and obedience, we can be assured He will come through for us. He will turn the bitter waters of our lives into living waters that refresh. He alone can help us find joy in Holy things again. Come on and tell God the truth!

Life Application

We can benefit from the question, “Where are you?” by applying it in various aspects of our lives, especially those that demand discipline and consistency. A correct answer will prove the gateway to salvation or falling deeper and deeper into debasing and dwarfing influences. The way God works is always the same. It is always, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:20)

Take time daily to answer God by telling him where you are in the things that matter. He will answer you and help you where the arm of flesh is proving weak and bound to fail. It may come with pain and demand a severe lifestyle change to reclaim yourself, but so does the plight of every Sower who hopes to one day come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.

Where are you? Come on and tell God the truth!