Every person eventually faces the same question God asked Adam in the Garden of Eden:

“Where are you?”

It’s not a question of geography. It’s a question of relationship.

In a heartfelt message at North Cities Church, Mike Zubik challenged us to examine our spiritual position—not where we are physically, but where we are in our walk with God. Drawing from Genesis 3 and Luke 8, he contrasted two powerful questions that reveal two very different spiritual conditions: “Where are you?” and “Who touched Me?”

For believers throughout Garland, Murphy, Plano, Richardson, Rowlett, Wylie, and across Dallas County, Collin County, and Rockwall County, this message serves as a timely reminder that where you are spiritually makes all the difference.

God Still Asks the Same Question

When Adam sinned, he responded by hiding from God.

Rather than running toward God’s mercy, he ran from God’s presence. God came searching for him and asked a simple question:

“Where are you?”

Of course, God knew Adam’s location. The question wasn’t for God’s benefit—it was for Adam’s.

God Wants Us to Evaluate Our Spiritual Position

Sometimes God asks questions not because He needs information, but because we need revelation.

Just as Adam had to confront where he was spiritually, we must periodically stop and ask ourselves:

• Am I closer to God today than I was a year ago?
• Has my prayer life grown stronger or weaker?
• Am I pursuing God’s presence or simply going through the motions?
• Am I hiding behind guilt, disappointment, or distraction?

The reality is that many believers can be physically present in church while being emotionally and spiritually distant. Mike pointed out that Adam was still in the garden—but he wasn’t in God’s presence.

Distance Doesn’t Happen Overnight

One of the most powerful illustrations from the message came from Mike’s time serving in the military.

Every Sunday, he would drive past the base chapel on his way to the lake. As he passed the chapel, conviction stirred in his heart. He knew where he needed to be. But the farther he drove from the chapel, the weaker that conviction became until it eventually disappeared.

The Further We Drift, the Less We Feel

Spiritual drift is rarely dramatic.

It often begins with small compromises:

• Missing prayer time
• Neglecting Scripture
• Prioritizing distractions
• Becoming spiritually complacent

Before long, what once convicted us no longer bothers us.

The farther we move from God’s presence, the easier it becomes to lose sensitivity to His voice.

That’s why consistent worship, prayer, Bible reading, and church involvement are so important. They keep us close to the source of life.

Peter: A Warning About Spiritual Distance

Peter provides a vivid example of what happens when distance grows.

In the upper room, Peter boldly declared that he would never deny Jesus. His faith was strong. His commitment seemed unwavering.

But then came Gethsemane.

From Sleeping to Weeping

Peter first fell asleep while Jesus prayed.

Later, he followed Jesus “afar off.” Then he warmed himself by someone else’s fire. Eventually, he denied even knowing the Lord.

Mike summarized Peter’s journey in a powerful way:

Peter went from sleeping to weeping.

His downfall didn’t begin with denial.

It began with distance.

The lesson is clear: where you are spiritually today will influence who you become tomorrow.

The Woman Who Refused to Stay Far Away

While Adam hid and Peter drifted, another person moved in the opposite direction.

A woman suffering with an issue of blood for twelve years pushed through the crowd to reach Jesus.

Her mindset was simple:

“If I can just touch His garment, I’ll be made whole.”

Close Enough to Get His Attention

When she touched Jesus, something extraordinary happened.

Jesus stopped and asked:

“Who touched Me?”

Hundreds of people were around Him. Many brushed against Him. But only one person reached out in faith.

Mike emphasized that she didn’t just touch Jesus.

She got His attention.

And because she got into His presence, she experienced:

• Healing
• Peace
• Relief
• Restoration
• New life

The difference wasn’t the crowd.

The difference was proximity.

Sometimes We Need to Come Back to the Gate

Near the end of the message, Mike shared a childhood story about getting separated from his family at a crowded county fair.

For hours he wandered in circles, growing more frightened and alone.

Then he remembered his mother’s instructions:

“If you get lost, go back to the main gate.”

As he made his way back, he heard his mother’s voice calling his name. Moments later, he was reunited with his family.

God Is Still Calling

Many people today feel spiritually lost.

Not because they don’t believe in God.

Not because they’re rebellious.

But because life, disappointments, busyness, and distractions have slowly pulled them away from His presence.

The encouraging news is that God is still calling.

He’s still searching.

He’s still welcoming people home.

You haven’t ruined God’s plans.

You haven’t exhausted His grace.

And you’re never too far away to come back.

Where Are You Today?

The central challenge of this message is deeply personal:

Where are you?

Not physically.

Not professionally.

Not financially.

Spiritually.

Are you hiding like Adam?

Following at a distance like Peter?

Or reaching toward Jesus like the woman with the issue of blood?

Because where you are spiritually determines what you experience.

Your Next Step

At North Cities in Garland, Texas, we believe God is still calling people closer.

Whether you’re from Garland, Murphy, Plano, Richardson, Rowlett, Wylie, Dallas County, Collin County, or Rockwall County, God’s invitation remains the same:

Come near.

Come back to prayer.

Come back to worship.

Come back to His presence.

Because where you are truly makes all the difference.