What Are You Doing Here: How to Leave the Cave Behind? Elijah struggled with fear and discouragement, but God called him out of hiding and into renewal. We are like Elijah when we stay stuck in discouragement, waiting for change. Actual progress requires us to seek God’s voice, leave the cave, and let Him renew our purpose. When we step forward in faith, God meets us, restores us, and leads us into a fruitful and hope-filled life.
What Are You Doing Here
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Scriptures used in this lesson:
James 5:17-18, Psalm 103:1-5, 1 Kings 19:8-10, 1 Kings 19:11-14, 1 Kings 19:15-18, 1 Kings 19:19, Hebrews 12:26, Mark 16:17-18,
What Are You Doing Here: How to Leave the Cave Behind
Starting Our Study from James Chapter 5
Open your Bible to James chapter 5. That’s a good place for us to begin as we look at Elijah. These lessons are not meant to be long, but “relatively short,” and I suppose that definition is up to me.
Earlier today, we discussed Elijah under the juniper tree. I want to return to that chapter and look at Elijah again. Watch how he leaves the juniper tree and does not return. Many of us spend too much time stuck in that sort of place. We do this because we never truly seek God for help in escaping our own juniper trees. We don’t search out the answers He wants us to find, and we waste a lot of time lingering in those circumstances.
Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. (James 5:17-18, KJV)
James 5:17 reminds us that Elijah was a man with a nature just like ours. He was not superhuman. Elijah feared and could run from danger, as he did with Jezebel. He faced real struggles, but he also prayed earnestly, and God answered. The rain stopped for three and a half years because Elijah prayed. Then, when he prayed again, rain returned and the earth began to produce fruit. Elijah was just like us, showing that God works through ordinary people.
What Are You Doing Here: How to Leave the Cave Behind
Pursuing Renewal — Psalm 103
Now, as we move forward, I want to look at Psalm 103 before we go to 1 Kings. If you want to leave your “juniper tree experience” behind for good, there must come a time of renewal. You need a moment where you step away from the past and have a quiet, focused encounter with God—your own “cave experience,” like Elijah did on Mount Horeb. So many of us are tired of returning to the same old problems and feeling alone, worn out, or discouraged. Instead, let’s seek God’s plan and understand His purpose for our lives.
Psalm 103 encourages us to bless the Lord with all that is within us. Sometimes it takes effort—we have to speak to our own souls, reminding ourselves of God’s goodness. God forgives all our iniquities and heals all our diseases. He lifts our lives from destruction, surrounds us with lovingkindness, and satisfies us with good things. Because of this, our strength and spirit can be renewed like the eagle’s. This renewal can lift us out of any place of despair or stagnation and set us on a new path with purpose and hope.
What Are You Doing Here: How to Leave the Cave Behind
Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases, Who redeemeth thy life from destruction, who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies. He satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (Psalm 103:1-5, KJV)
Picture Elijah’s Journey
Let’s get a real picture of Elijah. He was an old, cranky prophet. He had long hair, rough hands and feet, and was weathered by life. Under the juniper tree, Elijah was out of balance—emotionally and spiritually. When you’re stuck in a tough situation like that, your equilibrium is off. But God didn’t leave Elijah there. He brought Elijah to a cave to renew him, just as an eagle finds renewal in solitude. This renewal is necessary if we want to leave our own juniper trees behind for good.
I shared about Elijah and how he found himself beneath the juniper tree. I spoke about how we get into places of discouragement and how we can get out of them. In this lesson, I want to go further. You can leave the juniper tree, but if you don’t let God renew you, you’ll go right back. Many ministers try to return to their work before being refreshed by God. We all need renewal first.
What Are You Doing Here: How to Leave the Cave Behind
We also discussed the “Elijah ministry.” Elijah stood against an immoral society, and he was the forerunner of John the Baptist. Jesus said Elijah has already come, but will come again. I believe that God is raising up others today who will have the spirit of Elijah. Just as John the Baptist did, they will call people to repent because the kingdom of God is near. Elijah’s first act was to confront moral compromise, then he carried God’s message to distant places.
Expanding our Mission Mindset
Our thinking about missions needs to expand. Elijah went to Zarephath and brought God’s word to the nations. Supporting missionaries is good, but the Bible calls us to send out our own gospel messengers. The purpose of the church, and of an Elijah ministry, is to raise up new leaders and send the gospel out. That’s how we challenge false religion and the “Jezebels” of our day. We need to think bigger about our calling.
Jezebel Spirits and Opposition
In the New Testament, Herodias is a clear example of the Jezebel spirit. We covered this in our Wednesday night teaching. Herodias, the wife of Herod, acted with the same attitude as Jezebel in the Old Testament. Remember what she did to John the Baptist? She didn’t appreciate his prophetic voice. Instead, she called for his head. That’s always the way with a Jezebel spirit—it hates the prophetic and tries to silence it.
What Are You Doing Here: How to Leave the Cave Behind
Elijah’s ministry also involved challenging corrupt government leaders. Ahab was immoral, and Elijah confronted him. In the New Testament, John the Baptist faced the same kind of challenge with Herod. Elijah’s work included raising up new prophetic ministers. He was a forerunner; he paved the way for Elisha and helped prepare the way for others. John the Baptist did the same by preparing the way for Jesus. If God raises up the spirit of Elijah in our time, it will point people to Jesus’ return. Part of the Elijah ministry is also to anoint new government leaders, which we’ll see as we continue studying.
I also want to talk about loneliness and Jezebel. When we become isolated and start focusing only on ourselves, we’re open to attack by the Jezebel spirit. Elijah fell into this when he believed he was all alone. Jezebel is easy to recognize—she’s harsh, aggressive, and out to harm those who carry God’s prophetic message. She may look charming on the outside, but she does not serve the same God we serve. Jezebel’s priorities are wealth and pleasure, not God’s kingdom, just as in Elijah’s day. That same spirit still operates today, only with different faces and different names.
What Are You Doing Here: How to Leave the Cave Behind
Recognizing False Worship
Some people claim to follow Jesus, but their actions show they serve a different master. They may use the same name, but their idea of Christ is not biblical. Jezebel represents this confusion. Her worship is not genuine, and her heart isn’t pure. What really marks the Jezebel spirit is hatred for the prophetic. Jezebel hates the prophetic because it disrupts her plans and exposes her motives.
In the New Testament, John the Baptist confronted Herod and Herodias. Their marriage was not right, and John’s ministry threatened their comfortable life. Jezebel always opposes the prophetic voice because it reveals uncomfortable truths. She does not just dislike the message—she actively fights against God’s true servants. Elijah himself feared Jezebel. I understand that fear because I have seen people like that, and they can be mean and relentless.
What Are You Doing Here: How to Leave the Cave Behind
This brings us to an important lesson. When we struggle and feel isolated, we are vulnerable to these attacks. When we reach the point of saying, “I alone remain,” we are under the juniper tree, just like Elijah. In these moments, God knows where we are and sends help. You must go through the juniper tree experience to gain a true understanding. If you don’t face it, you’ll never realize how incredible the journey is and how much you need God’s strength.
Realizing God’s Calling Requires His Power
You must have a juniper tree experience in your life. It’s there, in that difficult place, where you finally realize you cannot accomplish God’s calling through your own strength. If you think you can do what God is asking on your own, then it probably isn’t really God who’s calling you. God’s true purpose always requires His power and His Spirit.
What Are You Doing Here: How to Leave the Cave Behind
When something is truly of God, it cannot be completed by human ability alone. It requires the Holy Spirit’s presence, anointing, and supernatural help. If you can succeed on your own, then you’re not relying on Him—and you’re missing the point. This is why all ministry has to depend entirely on God’s Spirit. Anything built on human effort alone will not last. It must be done through God’s Word and Spirit, or it will not stand the test. Only what God builds will endure.
Elijah, What Are You Doing Here?
Now let’s get into this. This is going to be fun. See how fun it is? I’m calling this lesson “Elijah, what are you doing here?” Got your Bibles in 1 Kings 19 8, and let’s read through verse 18.
And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God. And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there, and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah? He said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left. They seek my life, to take it away. (1 Kings 19:8-10, KJV)
What Are You Doing Here: How to Leave the Cave Behind
Elijah found himself under the juniper tree, but God gave him food and water. With that strength, Elijah traveled forty days and nights to Mount Horeb, also known as the mountain of God. In all of Scripture, only Moses, Elijah, and Jesus ever fasted for forty days and nights. Elijah needed more than food—he needed answers from God. He didn’t return to his former ministry. He didn’t go back to Israel or Judah. Instead, Elijah went into the wilderness, seeking a genuine encounter with God.
When you are under your own juniper tree, don’t rush back to your old routines until you have sought answers from God. If you don’t get what you need, sooner or later, you’ll end up back in that same place of discouragement. That’s the key point for us tonight: get the answers you need so you don’t have to revisit that place of struggle again. We have to recognize that this journey is too great for us to handle on our own.
At Mount Horeb, God asked Elijah a crucial question: “What are you doing here?” Elijah replied that he had been zealous for the Lord, but felt alone and abandoned, as others had turned from God. This is the place where real change and understanding begin.
What Are You Doing Here: How to Leave the Cave Behind
And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. It was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave.
And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah? He said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. (1 Kings 19:11-14, KJV)
The key idea is this: when you lose sight of God’s purpose for your life and your calling, you end up under the juniper tree. That’s when discouragement and confusion set in. Elijah’s story teaches us that God doesn’t just comfort us in pity. He doesn’t say, “Poor you, let me make you feel better for a while.” Instead, God gives us a command. He told Elijah to get up, go out, and stand before Him.
What Are You Doing Here: How to Leave the Cave Behind
Elijah listened and saw powerful things in nature—a mighty wind that tore mountains apart, an earthquake, and a great fire. But God was not in any of those dramatic moments. After all that, there was only a gentle whisper, a still small voice. When Elijah heard it, he responded and stood in God’s presence. That’s what matters. God reveals Himself not through chaos, but often in quiet moments when we truly listen. That’s how we find purpose again.
Standing Firm in God’s Purpose
When you’ve done everything you know to do, sometimes all you can do is stand firm. Elijah did just that. He went to the cave’s entrance and stood there. Then God asked him again, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Elijah explained he had been zealous for the Lord, but felt alone and threatened, since many had turned away from God.
Here’s the more profound truth: Elijah’s life was not his own. Sometimes, Christians forget their lives belong to God. We can spend our time in self-pity, hiding under our own juniper trees, or we can fulfill what God has called us to do. Elijah had lost focus and become self-focused. But God reminded him of his real purpose.
God sent Elijah back to ministry. He told him to return to the wilderness and gave him a new mission: anoint Hazael as king of Syria, Jehu as king of Israel, and Elisha as the new prophet. God also assured Elijah that there were seven thousand others who had remained faithful and had not worshipped Baal. Elijah was not alone. God always keeps a remnant for Himself.
What Are You Doing Here: How to Leave the Cave Behind
And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria: And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room. And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay. Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him. (1 Kings 19:15-18, KJV)
Elijah was a man just like us, facing a battle between his emotions and the Spirit. Many of us struggle with our emotions, even when we want desperately to hear God’s voice and know His will. Elijah went through this same struggle, longing for answers but wrestling within himself.
He decided not to stay under the juniper tree any longer. Instead, he got up, fasted for forty days, and went to Mount Horeb—seeking a place to be renewed by God. His journey teaches us the importance of leaving behind old struggles and finding true renewal in the Lord.
What Are You Doing Here: How to Leave the Cave Behind
Fasting is more than just going without food. It is a way to confront our flesh and seek God with greater intensity. For Elijah, fasting meant intense prayer and seeking God’s guidance. Sometimes, when you’re feeling lonely and searching for answers, you need to be proactive—pray, fast, seek the Lord, and simplify your life so you can hear Him clearly.
You need a “cave”—a quiet place where you can be renewed. This will look different for everyone. For me, attending meetings and getting around people who walk closely with God helps me find renewal. You may have other methods. The main thing is not to stay stuck in your struggle. Make the effort to get renewed and find God’s answers for your life. That is where real change happens.
Deciding to Pursue Renewal
This is the main point: you must decide to pursue renewal. Many people, when faced with a “juniper tree” moment in life, get back up and return to the same patterns that defeated them before. They end up repeating the cycle, never truly taking time to be renewed.
What Are You Doing Here: How to Leave the Cave Behind
God doesn’t want us bouncing back and forth between struggle and escape. He wants us to go deeper—to the cave, so to speak—to experience authentic renewal. The journey of faith is too difficult to handle without being refreshed by God.
Psalm 103 promises that God can restore our youth and renew us like the eagle. The eagle is a powerful example for Elijah and for us. When an eagle gets old, losing its feathers and becoming weak, it finds a cave to hide in. There, it pulls out old feathers and grinds down its beak, waiting to be made new. It only returns to the sky after it has been renewed. That’s what God wants for us—genuine, lasting renewal before we go back out to face life again.
Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases, Who redeemeth thy life from destruction, who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (Psalm 103:1-5, KJV)
What Are You Doing Here: How to Leave the Cave Behind
Elijah reached a point where he would rather die than keep going as he was. So he went to a cave, just like an old eagle searching for renewal. The eagle removes its old feathers and grinds down its beak, waiting until new feathers grow and its strength returns. Then it emerges as a brand new bird. That’s what Elijah did—he sought renewal in the cave.
God wants the same for us. He wants us to remove our old faults and receive His renewal. Elijah was tired, worn out, and confused. He went to Mount Horeb and sat in the deep darkness of the cave, hoping to hear from God. He poured out his heart, telling God all he had done—facing Ahab alone, helping the widow at Zarephath, even raising her son from the dead. And he recounted every victory and every struggle. Elijah felt alone and believed nobody understood God’s covenant anymore. He thought no one knew how to worship or praise God, and he wondered if God even cared.
That was the moment Elijah laid it all out before the Lord. He showed his pain and disappointment. But even in that lonely, dark cave, Elijah kept seeking God, believing that renewal could only come from Him.
What Are You Doing Here: How to Leave the Cave Behind
Personal Identification with Elijah’s Struggle
If I were to put myself in Elijah’s place, I’d hear God asking me, “Delbert, what are you doing here?” I’d probably start explaining to God how zealous I’ve been. I’d remind Him that I came to Lafayette because He called me, that I gave up everything—my family, my friends, my home, and my possessions. Then, I’d tell Him how hard I’ve worked to build your kingdom here, and how much I’ve labored to make it all come together. I’d probably complain that I’m the only one who’s truly committed, and how others just show up whenever it suits them.
Then I’d tell Him how discouraged I am. I’d say the people around me don’t really get what it means to have a covenant with God or to worship with all their hearts. Sometimes, I’d want to say, “God, nobody understands, and sometimes I even wonder if you care.” I am not alone in this kind of feeling. Many of us reach a point where we want to give up because it seems no one else is invested as we are.
But then, God’s answer would cut through that discouragement. He isn’t interested in my pity party. He doesn’t want me to stay stuck in those feelings. Instead, God says, “Get up, go forward, leave the cave, and stand in my presence.” That’s what God wants from all of us—not to linger in discouragement, but to step out in faith and keep moving.
What Are You Doing Here: How to Leave the Cave Behind
And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD. The LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice…. And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria: And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room. And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay. Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him. (1 Kings 19:11-18, KJV)
The Lord passed by Elijah, and it’s worth paying attention to what happened. God told Elijah to stand up and come out, but Elijah remained where he was. Then a strong wind blew through, so powerful that it broke rocks and tore up trees—it looked spectacular. Every outward sign suggested that this must be a move of God. But God was not in the wind.
What Are You Doing Here: How to Leave the Cave Behind
There are plenty of things in life and ministry that look powerful and impressive, but they are not necessarily from God. Just because something appears dramatic or attracts attention does not mean it is the Holy Spirit at work. God is not measured by outward show. The real test is in the fruit—whether or not it truly reflects God’s presence and character. In this moment, God wanted Elijah (and us) to look beyond outward appearances and listen for His authentic voice.
God’s Quiet, Steadfast Kingdom
So what comes next? The fire? Earthquake. Great shaking. Now God is not in the shaking. God is the shaker. He says, once more I’ll shake everything in heaven and in earth.
Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. (Hebrews 12:26, KJV)
What Are You Doing Here: How to Leave the Cave Behind
God was not in the earthquake, either. Even if everything around you feels unstable or dramatic, that does not mean it’s God’s doing. His kingdom can’t be shaken—it stands firm, no matter what is happening. Then there came a fire, full of excitement and energy, but even that was not where God was found.
Elijah stayed quiet and waited. He was fighting his emotions and dealing with his personal struggles, but he knew how to discern God’s authentic voice. Eventually, a gentle whisper—just a still, small voice—came to him. That was God. When Elijah heard it, he responded and stepped out to meet God. It’s vital for us to have the same spirit as Elijah. We need to recognize God’s voice in the quiet moments, rather than chasing after every dramatic sign or emotional high. That’s when honest communication and a relationship with God happen.
And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire. The LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. Behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah? He said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword. I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. (1 Kings 19:11-14, KJV)
What Are You Doing Here: How to Leave the Cave Behind
We must learn to recognize God’s voice, even when it isn’t loud or dramatic. Not everything that appears spiritual is really from Him. Sometimes it’s in the quiet moments, the gentle whispers of the Spirit, that God is speaking. Elijah understood that and responded with humility when he finally heard that still small voice. He covered his face in reverence and stepped to the mouth of the cave, ready to listen.
God then asked Elijah again, “What are you doing here?” It was a probing question meant to shift Elijah’s focus. God reminded him of his calling, his purpose, and the work still to be done. Instead of looking inward, Elijah needed to remember the ministry and vision God had given him. Elijah’s response reflected his honesty and pain—he told God that despite his zeal, he felt abandoned and threatened. He explained that Israel had forsaken God’s covenant, destroyed the altars, and killed the prophets, leaving him as the only one who remained faithful. That was the heart of his struggle.
And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria: And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room. And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay. Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him. (1 Kings 19:15-18, KJV)
What Are You Doing Here: How to Leave the Cave Behind
The Lesson—God’s Purpose Is the Issue
This is the heart of the lesson: look at how God dealt with Elijah’s emotional struggles. God didn’t coddle Elijah or comfort him because life was hard and people were out to get him. He didn’t say, “I feel sorry for you, let me hold you for a while.” Instead, God shifted Elijah’s attention away from his personal pain and worries. Elijah was not the issue—God’s purpose was.
It’s important to know that God does care about us and meets our needs, but He wants us to focus on His bigger picture. The real issue is the kingdom of God and what God wants to accomplish in the world. God never told Elijah, “You’re the reason for everything,” or “Let’s stop everything for you.” He told Elijah to get moving, to go back to his ministry, and to get back to work.
What Are You Doing Here: How to Leave the Cave Behind
God Cares, But His Plans Come First
The Lord God even gave Elijah instructions: go to the wilderness of Damascus and anoint Hazael as king of Syria, anoint Jehu as king of Israel, and anoint Elisha as the new prophet. Even though there were established rulers already, God was ready to do something new. God needs people with Elijah’s spirit to step up and take action, no matter the circumstances. Elijah had a job to do, and so do we—God wants us to engage with the world, challenge evil, and raise up new leaders and ministries to accomplish His purpose.
God loves and cares for us deeply, and He always knows exactly where we are—even in our most difficult moments. When you’re down or discouraged, God can send you help, whether it’s from other people, an encouraging word, or something supernatural. He meets our needs and ministers to us when we need it most. But He constantly reminds us that our personal challenges are not the center of everything. The real issue is God’s purpose and plan.
What Are You Doing Here: How to Leave the Cave Behind
God wants righteous leaders in every area of life. He is raising up people with the spirit of Elijah to impact government, the church, and entire communities. God desires ministries that are genuine—not dependent on money, benefits, or easy circumstances. If your vision is only focused on yourself, it’s time to shift it to what God wants to do in your area. We need to tune into God’s purpose for today and be ready to work where He is leading.
Elijah struggled because he wanted answers and didn’t know what to do next. Many of us feel the same way after experiencing hardship or confusion. But if you sincerely seek God, He will renew you and guide you. Don’t chase after dramatic signs—listen for God’s quiet voice and let Him reveal what He wants for you and your church. He says there is always more to do, and the best is yet to come. If you don’t step up, God has plenty of others who can. There’s no room for pride in being the only one. God wants us ready for real purpose—today, in this place.
God Keeps a Remnant
Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him. (1 Kings 19:18, KJV)
What Are You Doing Here: How to Leave the Cave Behind
Let me put this plainly: you may be zealous and dedicated, and you may have done a lot for God, but don’t get stuck in self-pity or in thinking you’re the only one. God can always raise up someone else for His purpose if you’re unwilling to move forward. There are thousands God has prepared who have not compromised or given in to the world.
The Spirit of God is calling us to a higher walk and a deeper commitment, beyond what we’ve known before. We’ve all had our juniper tree moments, wrestling with discouragement and seeking answers. When we ask God for direction, He will tell us what we need to do next.
After Elijah’s time of struggle and renewal, he didn’t just stay in that place. He listened to God and moved forward. After the cave experience, Elijah departed and sought out Elisha, ready to raise up new leaders and continue God’s work. That is what God wants—He wants us moving forward in His purpose, ready to invest in others and expand the work of His kingdom.
What Are You Doing Here: How to Leave the Cave Behind
So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him. (1 Kings 19:19, KJV)
We have barely begun to see what God wants to do through us. It’s time to leave our old comfort zones behind and to raise up new leaders—our Elishas. It’s time to move forward, let God renew us, and find fresh strength and purpose. How many of us are tired of being stuck where we are? How many are ready for renewal, prepared to let go of old hurts, become strong again, regain balance, and walk in newness with God? I know I am, and I believe many of you are too.
Listen to what God is saying tonight. His purposes are so much greater than our personal struggles or emotions. He is not focused on our temporary pains—He wants His will and His kingdom to be accomplished.
Let me repeat what I shared earlier about how God deals with loneliness.
What Are You Doing Here: How to Leave the Cave Behind
First, He helps us look past ourselves—our lives are not about us; they are about His calling and purpose. If you grasp this, you’ll stop getting stuck in discouragement.
Second, God reminds us we are not alone. This is a body ministry. No one person or church has a corner on God’s purpose—He has many more ready to step up.
And third, He helps us see we are not finished yet. There is still so much God wants to do through us. The best is still to come. If we step out of the cave and leave behind our discouragement, God can use us to raise up new leaders, perform miracles, and fulfill His purposes. If you’re seeking answers and renewal, now is the time to ask and follow God’s leading. Let’s not stay stuck; let’s move forward in the power and spirit of Elijah.
Self-Examination and Seeking Miracles
Sometimes I pray that if I am wrong, God will judge me and move me out of the way. If I am not supposed to be here, I want God to handle it. I ask Him for answers, and I mean it. This morning, I prayed that God would judge not only me but anyone following me if we are on the wrong path.
What Are You Doing Here: How to Leave the Cave Behind
We need to examine ourselves and make sure we are right with God. It’s time to get rid of the old flaws and truly seek change. I am done just talking about miracles—I want to see them. We need God’s power to break through. I pray for this sincerely before everyone: God, if what I preach and teach isn’t from You, please judge it and remove me. Don’t let me hinder anyone or speak a false word. I am Yours, Lord. Do whatever You need to do with me. Judge my heart and purify it.
After that, I am crying out for answers. I’m tired of just confessing that healing will happen. I want to see it with my own eyes. I want to see Sally Cook walk and Mr. Peale set free from his oxygen tank. I long to see people come in with wheelchairs and leave walking in the power of Jesus’ name—not because of anything in me, but because of what Christ can do. That is the kind of breakthrough I am seeking.
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. (Mark 16:17-18, KJV)
Lord, I want some answers. I have fasted and sought You, and now I feel ready to leave the cave. We want to step forward and do what You called us to do. I know I am not the focus—this is not about me. We belong to You, God, and Your purpose is what matters. Help us all to grasp this on a deep level. Help us also to show others that You are the real issue, and if we stop obsessing over ourselves and focus on Your plans, we’ll find freedom and purpose again.
What Are You Doing Here: How to Leave the Cave Behind
Let me be honest: even I’ve been under a juniper tree lately. My wife encouraged me with her support and timely words. She saw that I was struggling, even if I didn’t want to admit it. Sometimes, we go through seasons of irritation, confusion, or waiting. But God has helped me, and I know He can help you too. We can be under the juniper tree and in the cave at the same time, longing for answers and for God’s renewal. I believe tonight He is shifting our focus—from personal struggles to His greater purpose. Let’s take that step together.
What Are You Doing Here: How to Leave the Cave Behind
What Are You Doing Here: How to Leave the Cave Behind
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