He Knows by Lisa Burkhardt Worley, D.Min.
God knows what we need before we ask for it.
As I read in 1 Kings 19 about Elijah’s encounter with God, I had to laugh at the prophet, because I’ve been guilty of reminding the LORD about what I am going through.
Elijah was on the run after he killed all the prophets of Baal. Queen Jezebel had sent a message that she wanted to kill him after what he did. So, when the LORD asked the prophet, “What are you doing here Elijah?” He responded, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”
God initially responded in an unusual way by allowing His presence to pass by Elijah. He then spoke to the prophet in a gentle whisper and asked the same question: “What are you doing here Elijah?” Elijah responded with the exact same response as if he thought that God did not hear him the first time: “I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”
God already knew what Elijah had been through. That is why he appeared to him to encourage him. But instead of telling Elijah to keep running, He instructed him to return to where he ran from. Elijah was told by God to anoint a new king and a prophet to take his place. Elijah needed to be reminded that the LORD knew that Elijah had taken a stand for Him, that God had a plan, and that the LORD had Elijah’s back as he returned to enemy territory.
God sees and knows what we are going through and already has a strategy to get us through it. Sometimes he calls us back to the place we’ve tried to escape from. We do not have to reiterate to God what we are dealing with, but we can ask Him to give us the strength to endure, to guide us through it, and, through His power, to help us address the obstacles and threats that are in front of us. In our prayers we need to remember that God knows all. He sees the future, and He doesn’t miss anything.
For what situation do you need God’s help today?
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