Elijah: God's Provision Through Ordinary Lives

Devotional

Day 1: God Uses Ordinary People for Extraordinary Purposes

Elijah was an ordinary man, a farmer, who was used by God in extraordinary ways. This reminds us that God can use anyone, regardless of their background or status, to fulfill His purposes. Elijah's humanity is emphasized in James 5:17, which tells us that he was just like us, a human being with struggles and triumphs. This perspective helps us see that God can use anyone, regardless of their background or status. We should not elevate biblical figures to unattainable heights but see them as examples of what God can do through ordinary people who are willing to obey Him. [28:31]

1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (ESV): "For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."

Reflection: Think of a time when you felt inadequate or unqualified for a task. How can you trust God to use you in your current situation, despite your perceived limitations?

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Day 2: God Provides Strength in Times of Need

Elijah's bold confrontation with King Ahab required immense courage and faith. This act shows that God provides the strength we need to stand up for righteousness, even when it is difficult or dangerous. When we rely on God's strength, we can face any challenge with confidence, knowing that He is with us. Elijah's story in 1 Kings 17 demonstrates that God equips those He calls, providing the necessary strength and courage to fulfill His purposes. [36:12]

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Reflection: Identify a current challenge or difficult situation in your life. How can you rely on God's strength to face it with courage and faith?

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Day 3: God Provides in Our Pain and Isolation

Elijah's time at the Wadi Cherith was a period of isolation and pain, yet it was also a time of divine provision. God provided water from a dry riverbed and food through ravens. This teaches us that even in our most challenging and painful times, God is our provider. He uses these moments to draw us closer to Him and to prepare us for greater things. Elijah's experience reminds us that God is always present, even in our darkest moments, and He provides for our needs in miraculous ways. [45:35]

Psalm 34:18-19 (ESV): "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt isolated or in pain. How did you experience God's provision during that time, and how can you seek His presence in your current struggles?

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Day 4: The Ultimate Provision of Salvation

The greatest provision God has given us is the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. This act of love and sacrifice is the ultimate demonstration of God's provision. As we remember and celebrate this through communion, we are reminded of the depth of God's love and the lengths He went to save us. The gift of salvation is a constant reminder of God's unwavering love and His desire for a relationship with us. [59:03]

Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on the significance of Jesus' sacrifice for you. How can you live in gratitude for this ultimate provision in your daily life?

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Day 5: Recognizing God's Continuous Provision

God’s provision is not limited to biblical times; He continues to provide for us today. Whether it's through strength in difficult times, unexpected means, or the ultimate gift of salvation, God is always at work in our lives. We should take time to recognize and thank Him for His continuous provision. Reflecting on God's provision helps us to cultivate a heart of gratitude and trust in His faithfulness. [52:56]

Philippians 4:19 (ESV): "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: Think about the ways God has provided for you recently. How can you make a habit of recognizing and thanking Him for His continuous provision in your life?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we began a new series on the life of Elijah, a significant figure in both the Old and New Testaments. Elijah was an ordinary man, a farmer, who was used by God in extraordinary ways. This series aims to explore Elijah's life and how his experiences can speak to us today. Elijah is often elevated in our minds as a superhuman figure, but James 5:17 reminds us that he was just like us, a human being with struggles and triumphs. This perspective helps us see that God can use anyone, regardless of their background or status.

Elijah's story begins in 1 Kings 17, where he boldly confronts King Ahab, declaring a drought as a consequence of Israel's disobedience. This act required immense courage and faith, showing that God provides strength in times of need. Elijah's journey also takes him to the Wadi Cherith, a place of isolation and pain, yet God provides for him there through miraculous means, such as water from a dry riverbed and food delivered by ravens. This teaches us that God is our provider, even in the most challenging circumstances.

The sermon also emphasized the importance of recognizing God's provision in our lives. Whether it's through strength in difficult times or through unexpected means, God is always at work. The ultimate provision, however, is the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. As we partake in communion, we remember and celebrate this incredible act of love and sacrifice.

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Key Takeaways

1. Elijah's Humanity and God's Use of Ordinary People: Elijah was an ordinary man, just like us, who was used by God in extraordinary ways. This reminds us that God can use anyone, regardless of their background or status, to fulfill His purposes. We should not elevate biblical figures to unattainable heights but see them as examples of what God can do through ordinary people who are willing to obey Him. [28:31]
2. God's Provision of Strength: Elijah's bold confrontation with King Ahab required immense courage and faith. This act shows that God provides the strength we need to stand up for righteousness, even when it is difficult or dangerous. When we rely on God's strength, we can face any challenge with confidence, knowing that He is with us. [36:12]
3. God's Provision in Pain: Elijah's time at the Wadi Cherith was a period of isolation and pain, yet it was also a time of divine provision. God provided water from a dry riverbed and food through ravens. This teaches us that even in our most challenging and painful times, God is our provider. He uses these moments to draw us closer to Him and to prepare us for greater things. [45:35]
4. The Ultimate Provision of Salvation: The greatest provision God has given us is the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. This act of love and sacrifice is the ultimate demonstration of God's provision. As we remember and celebrate this through communion, we are reminded of the depth of God's love and the lengths He went to save us. [59:03]
5. God's Continuous Provision: God’s provision is not limited to biblical times; He continues to provide for us today. Whether it's through strength in difficult times, unexpected means, or the ultimate gift of salvation, God is always at work in our lives. We should take time to recognize and thank Him for His continuous provision. [52:56]
### [52:56]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[24:48] - Introduction to Elijah Series
[25:59] - Why Study Elijah?
[27:08] - Elijah's Significance in the Bible
[28:31] - Elijah: An Ordinary Man
[30:55] - Elevating Biblical Figures
[32:22] - God as Our Provider
[33:15] - 1 Kings 17:1-6
[36:12] - God's Provision of Strength
[40:19] - God's Provision in Pain
[45:35] - A.W. Tozer's Insight on Pain
[47:37] - God's Provision in Isolation
[49:40] - The Raven's Provision
[52:56] - Reflecting on God's Provision
[59:03] - The Ultimate Provision: Salvation
[69:34] - Closing Prayer and Announcements

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What was Elijah's background before he became a prophet, and how does this emphasize his humanity? [27:08]
How did God provide for Elijah during his time at the Wadi Cherith? [47:37]
What was the significance of Elijah's confrontation with King Ahab, and what did it demonstrate about God's provision of strength? [36:12]
How does James 5:17 help us understand Elijah's nature and his relationship with God? [28:31]

Interpretation Questions

Why is it important to recognize that Elijah was an ordinary man, and how does this perspective affect our understanding of how God can use us? [28:31]
In what ways did Elijah's time at the Wadi Cherith serve as a period of preparation and provision, despite being a time of isolation and pain? [40:49]
How does the story of Elijah's provision by ravens challenge our understanding of how God can provide for us in unexpected ways? [49:40]
What does the ultimate provision of salvation through Jesus Christ signify about God's love and care for humanity? [59:03]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt ordinary or unqualified. How can Elijah's story encourage you to trust that God can use you for His purposes? [28:31]
Have you ever experienced a period of isolation or pain where you later recognized God's provision? How did that experience shape your faith? [40:49]
Think about a situation where you needed immense courage and faith. How can you rely on God's strength to face similar challenges in the future? [36:12]
In what unexpected ways has God provided for you or your family? How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude for these provisions? [49:40]
How does the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ impact your daily life and decisions? What steps can you take to remember and celebrate this ultimate provision regularly? [59:03]
Identify a current challenge or need in your life. How can you trust in God's continuous provision and seek His guidance in this situation? [52:56]
How can you share the message of God's provision and salvation with someone who may be struggling to see God's hand in their life? What practical steps can you take to support and encourage them? [59:03]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for outreach

1. "When the world is against you, when everything has their back to God, when it feels like nothing is going towards Jesus, God gives a man named Elijah the strength to stand before the king and say, king, what you're standing for and what you're about, God is not happy with. And he tells the king, as he's standing before the king, he tells the king, I don't stand before you, king." [39:15] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Would you just rest with me as I just rested in this thought this week that God has provided for me. Forgiveness and redemption and restoration and righteousness. None of which I could ever receive or obtain on my own. God had to provide it. And that, for me, in my heart, that is the ultimate power of provision." [52:56] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "God uses whatever he wants, whenever he wants, for his purposes and his time. And I love that. And it just spoke to my heart. Because I know that God can use someone, a sinner, an unclean person like me, God can use me. And if he can use someone like me, he can use someone like a raven. And if he can use someone like a raven, he can use you. And he can use me. And that gives me hope." [51:18] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "God is a provider. In your hurt, he's a provider. Do you need strength? He's a provider. In your pain, he's a provider. In every aspect of our lives, he is a provider. Would you just rest with me as I just rested in this thought this week that God has provided for me. Forgiveness and redemption and restoration and righteousness. None of which I could ever receive or obtain on my own. God had to provide it." [52:56] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Lord God, I thank you for our time of worship today. I praise you, Jesus. Lord, for being the ultimate provider for every single man, woman, child that is in this place or watching online. Lord, I thank you, God, that you've provided for us in ways that we will never be able to understand or even comprehend this side of heaven. But Lord, you've done it. You've taken care of it." [01:09:34] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for members

1. "When we look at different people, men and women, in the word of God, we tend to see them on an elevated place. We tend to, you know, look at them from our low position, look at them as they are up high and we think, oh, man, if I could just, hang where they are, if I could just be as spiritual as they are, if I could just be as obedient and as faithful as they are." [29:42] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "This is a man who is just like you. This is a man who struggled with his faith, probably like you have. This is a man who dealt with fear, probably like you have. This is a man who had some really mountaintop experiences, literal mountaintop experiences like maybe you have. And this is also a man who got as low as low could be like maybe some of you have." [31:23] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "God is a provision and strength to Elijah, but he's also a provider in the midst of pain. Let me continue reading and let's talk about this pain for just a second. Let me read verses 2 and 3. Then the word of the Lord came to him. Came to Elijah. Leave here, turn eastward, and hide in the wad each careth, where it enters the Jordan." [40:19] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "And sometimes He allows us to go through those moments of pain and pruning and storms and hurting for us to come out on the other side. A.W. Tozer, an author and pastor and written so many things in his book, The Root of Righteousness, he writes this. I want you to hear this. I'm going to have a portion of this up on the screen in a second. But I want you to hear this." [45:35] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "And as that blood rolled down his body and onto the cross and all the way onto the ground, it was enough to cover you, to cover me, and to cover everyone. And because of that, we can receive forgiveness. If we would just ask. So this morning, before we need to, before we take the cup together, my prayer is that if there is forgiveness that needs to happen in your heart, that you would do that." [01:06:25] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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