What am I doing here???

The purpose of life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others. 
–Albert Schweitzer


There is a wonderful story about Elijah, Jezebel and God in 1 Kings. Elijah has been persecuted by Jezebel and fears for his life. Feeling alone and very sorry for himself, he goes to hide out in a cave. God sends a raven to feed and care for him, keeping him nourished and strong.

Then God tells Elijah to stand outside the cave, and the LORD will pass by in all his glory. Elijah covers his face with his cloak and waits. The mountain shakes with a violent earthquake-- but the LORD was not in the earthquake. Fire covers the mountain—but the LORD was not in the fire.

After the fire came a still, small whisper in Elijah’s soul. And the LORD was in the whisper, and had a single, piercing question for Elijah:

What are you doing here, Elijah?

Good question, one we should be asking ourselves on a regular basis. What am I doing here, anyway?

Our days in this place are numbered. How are we using them to honor God? Are we bringing more Kingdom into the world—or obstructing its growth with our words or actions? Do we genuinely worship God with our lives—or has something else claimed lordship in our hearts? Take a moment, right now, to look in the mirror and ask yourself:

What am I doing here? Listen as God guides your path. . . .


Monday Are you a planner? Plan some deliberate quiet time into your day. Put it on your calendar, and honor that commitment. 1 Kings 19:1-2

Tuesday Admit to God and yourself something that you are genuinely afraid of. Listen for God’s words of comfort. 1 Kings 19:3-6

Wednesday Ash Wednesday Remember your ancestors today. Is there someone in your family tree whose story merits telling? Tell it. 1 Kings 19:7-9

Thursday Where do you find God (or allow God to find you)? Is there a special place where God always shows up? When was the last time you went there? 1 Kings 19:10-11

Friday Choose a book from your childhood. Try to track it down and read it again. How does it feel to revisit the story with life experience? 1 Kings 19:12-13

Saturday The LORD still speaks in whispers and breezes. Listen today, not with your ears, but with your heart, for the voice of God in unexpected places. Psalm 50:1-2

Sunday You come to this place of worship. Why are you here? Whom will you worship this morning? How will God be glorified? What will you take away from this morning, when you leave this place? Isaiah 40:26-31

Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. 
And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them. –Dalai Lama



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