Friday – February 20, 2026

Where Are You?

Scripture Reading

Genesis 3:8–13, 17–19
“The Lord God called to the man and said to him, ‘Where are you?’”

After the beauty of Genesis 2 comes the ache of Genesis 3. Shame enters the story. Hiding begins. And the first question God asks wounded humanity is not “What have you done?” but “Where are you?”

This is the question beneath Isaiah’s fast. Before we untie the yoke or share our bread, we must answer honestly: Where am I? Am I hiding? Am I defensive? Am I blaming others? Lent invites us to step out from behind the trees.

In Wesleyan theology, confession is not humiliation—it is healing. We believe in accountable grace. God’s grace convicts, but it never abandons. Even in Genesis 3, God seeks relationship. Even in exile, God provides garments. Even in dust, there is mercy.

The ashes on our foreheads are not a scarlet letter. They are a sign that we are found. We may hide, but we are not abandoned.

Reflection Question

If God asked you today, “Where are you?” how would you answer?

Concrete Action Step

Name one area where you have been avoiding truth—whether in a relationship, habit, or attitude. Take one honest step today: begin a conversation, seek forgiveness, or set a boundary.

Prayer

Seeking God, you call us from our hiding places. Give us courage to answer honestly. Lead us back into your grace. Amen.