Genesis 3:8-9 (NIV) Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”

After Adam and Eve sinned by eating of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, they hid from God. This shows how sin clouds your mind in that they thought that they could hide from their Creator. God, with great patience mercy, asked them where they were. This would seem as if God didn’t know. But He was asking the question for their benefit. He wanted them to stop and realize what they had done and where they were spiritually, emotionally and physically. God knew where they were, but they were completely lost at that point. As we know from scripture, the Lord wound up making proper clothing for them and then let them know how life would be from that time on. Although they would not be able to reside in the Garden of Eden anymore, God would still be involved in their lives and their children’s lives along the way (see Genesis chapter 4).

That same question that God asked Adam and Eve at the beginning of time He asks of us today. When you get away from them Lord for whatever reason, He will ask you, “Where are you?” He wants you to stop and take stock of the position that you find yourself in because of decisions and choices that you have made. The reason He asks the question is because He wants you to wake up from your stupor and get you back on track in your relationship with Him. If you are wondering how He asks the question, He does it through the nudges and promptings of the Holy Spirit. His Spirit will check you when you are going in the wrong direction and will help you to consider you ways before continuing on your wrong path. You can refuse to change course but in doing so, you will add much trouble and sorrow to your life.

Sometimes life’s twists and turns throw us off and we lose our way for a while. While in this lost position, we make some very bad choices and get into some troublesome situations. That’s when God breaks in to point out to you that you are way off the road that leads to righteousness and peace, which is the road that leads to fellowship with Him. He does it so that you can correct your course. He wants to wake you up from the fog of chaos and confusion that you may find yourself in and wants to lead you back to the safety of His love and care. That question that God asks is a loving question and can spare you the eventual ruin and destruction that results from living a wayward life. Even if you are off-track just a little bit, with time that little bit can become a huge distance away from the God who loves you and watches over you. Take time to answer that question today. Where are you? Are you following Christ Jesus with all your heart? Good! Stay on point and keep trusting Him. Have you slacked off a little? Then get right back to seeking after Him with all that is within you. The stakes are too high to ever ignore God’s question.

Pastor Joey Vazquez