Elijah: Trusting God Beyond Comfort and Circumstances
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound story of Elijah, a man who emerged from obscurity to become a pivotal figure in God's plan. Elijah's journey is a testament to how God can use anyone, regardless of their background, to fulfill His divine purposes. We began by acknowledging the worthiness of God, who deserves all glory and honor. This sets the stage for understanding Elijah's life, a life marked by obedience and faith in the face of adversity.
Elijah lived during a time when Israel was led astray by a succession of evil kings, culminating in the reign of Ahab and his wife Jezebel, who introduced the worship of Baal. Despite the spiritual decay, God raised Elijah to call the people back to repentance. Elijah's story is a reminder that God often prepares us in private before using us publicly. Before his famous confrontation on Mount Carmel, Elijah was taken to the Carith Ravine, where God worked on him in solitude, teaching him to trust and obey.
We learned that living out God's will requires us to abandon our comfort zones and set our default response to God as "yes." Elijah's journey from Carith Ravine to Zarephath, a hundred-mile trek through dangerous territory, exemplifies this principle. He trusted God to direct his steps, even when the path seemed uncertain. Elijah's faith was further tested when he encountered a widow in Zarephath, whom God used to provide for him. This encounter demonstrated that God often uses unlikely people and circumstances to fulfill His promises.
Elijah's story culminates in a powerful act of intercession, where he prays for the widow's son to be revived. This miracle not only affirmed Elijah's faith but also led the widow to believe in the God of Israel. It underscores the importance of being prepared to lay down our lives for others, allowing God to work through us to bring others to faith.
Key Takeaways:
- Abandoning Comfort Zones: To live out God's will, we must be willing to leave our comfort zones. Elijah's journey from Carith Ravine to Zarephath illustrates the necessity of stepping into the unknown, trusting that God will guide and provide. [42:06]
- Setting Our Default to Yes: Elijah's immediate obedience to God's call, despite the risks, teaches us to set our default response to God as "yes." Trusting God more than our circumstances is crucial for spiritual growth. [45:42]
- Patience Between Chapters: The divine pause between God's calls is a time of preparation. Elijah's journey reminds us that God's timing is perfect, and we must trust Him during periods of waiting. [49:14]
- Trusting God to Direct Our Steps: Elijah's encounter with the widow in Zarephath shows that when we allow God to direct our steps, He orchestrates every detail for His purposes. Our role is to trust and follow His lead. [54:15]
- Dependence on God for Provision: The miraculous provision for Elijah and the widow demonstrates that when we trust and obey God, He supplies all our needs according to His riches. This requires faith and surrender. [58:09]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[22:13] - Worthiness of God
[31:01] - Personal Reflection on Practice
[32:42] - Introduction to Elijah
[34:27] - Ahab and Jezebel's Reign
[35:40] - Elijah's Bold Stand
[37:08] - God's Preparation of Elijah
[38:50] - Carith Ravine: A Place of Solitude
[40:45] - Six Principles for Living God's Will
[42:06] - Abandoning Comfort Zones
[43:04] - Setting Default to Yes
[45:42] - Trusting God Over Circumstances
[49:14] - Patience Between Chapters
[54:15] - Trusting God to Direct Steps
[58:09] - Dependence on God for Provision
[01:00:42] - Intercession and Compassion
[01:05:11] - Practicing Faith Daily
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Kings 16:29-34
2. 1 Kings 17:1-16
3. 1 Kings 17:17-24
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the spiritual state of Israel during the reign of Ahab and Jezebel, and how did it set the stage for Elijah's mission? [34:27]
2. Describe the significance of Elijah's time at Carith Ravine. How did God use this period in Elijah's life? [38:50]
3. What was Elijah's response when God instructed him to go to Zarephath, and what does this reveal about his character? [45:42]
4. How did God provide for Elijah and the widow at Zarephath, and what does this demonstrate about God's provision? [58:09]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Elijah's willingness to leave his comfort zone reflect the principle of setting one's default response to God as "yes"? [42:06]
2. In what ways does the story of Elijah and the widow illustrate the concept of trusting God to direct our steps, even when the path seems uncertain? [54:15]
3. How does the miracle of the widow's son being revived serve as a testament to Elijah's faith and God's power? [01:00:42]
4. What lessons can be drawn from Elijah's patience during the "divine pause" between God's calls? How does this apply to periods of waiting in our own lives? [49:14]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you had to step out of your comfort zone to follow God's will. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them? [42:06]
2. Elijah set his default response to God as "yes." How can you cultivate a similar attitude of obedience in your daily life? What might be holding you back? [45:42]
3. Consider a situation where you are currently in a "divine pause." How can you use this time to prepare for what God has planned for you next? [49:14]
4. Elijah trusted God to direct his steps, even when the path was unclear. Is there an area in your life where you need to trust God more fully? How can you take a step of faith this week? [54:15]
5. How can you depend on God for provision in your life, especially in areas where you feel lacking? What practical steps can you take to increase your trust in God's provision? [58:09]
6. Elijah was prepared to lay down his life for others. How can you demonstrate compassion and intercession for those around you who are in need? [01:00:42]
7. The sermon emphasized practicing faith daily. What specific actions can you take this week to make practicing your faith a regular part of your routine? [01:05:55]
Devotional
Day 1: Stepping into the Unknown with God
In the story of Elijah, we see a powerful example of abandoning comfort zones to follow God's will. Elijah's journey from the Carith Ravine to Zarephath was not just a physical trek but a spiritual one, requiring him to trust God in the face of uncertainty. This journey illustrates the necessity of stepping into the unknown, trusting that God will guide and provide. Elijah's willingness to leave his comfort zone and follow God's direction is a testament to his faith and obedience. It challenges us to consider what comfort zones we might need to leave behind to fully embrace God's plan for our lives. [42:06]
1 Kings 17:2-4 (ESV): "And the word of the Lord came to him: 'Depart from here and turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan. You shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.'"
Reflection: What is one comfort zone you feel God is calling you to step out of today? How can you take a practical step towards trusting Him in this area?
Day 2: Saying "Yes" to God's Call
Elijah's immediate obedience to God's call, despite the risks, teaches us to set our default response to God as "yes." Trusting God more than our circumstances is crucial for spiritual growth. Elijah's life exemplifies this principle as he consistently responded to God's instructions with unwavering faith. This kind of obedience requires a heart that is willing to trust God's plan over our own understanding, even when the path seems daunting. By setting our default to "yes," we open ourselves to the transformative work God wants to do in and through us. [45:42]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: Is there a specific area in your life where you have been hesitant to say "yes" to God? What step can you take today to trust Him more than your circumstances?
Day 3: Embracing God's Timing
The divine pause between God's calls is a time of preparation. Elijah's journey reminds us that God's timing is perfect, and we must trust Him during periods of waiting. These times of waiting are not wasted; they are opportunities for God to work in us, preparing us for what lies ahead. Elijah's time in solitude at the Carith Ravine was a period of preparation, teaching him to rely on God's provision and timing. Embracing God's timing requires patience and faith, trusting that He is working all things for our good. [49:14]
Ecclesiastes 3:11 (ESV): "He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end."
Reflection: How do you typically respond to periods of waiting in your life? What can you do to embrace God's timing and trust His preparation process today?
Day 4: Trusting God's Direction
Elijah's encounter with the widow in Zarephath shows that when we allow God to direct our steps, He orchestrates every detail for His purposes. Our role is to trust and follow His lead, even when the path is unclear. Elijah's faith in God's direction led him to a divine appointment with the widow, demonstrating that God often uses unlikely people and circumstances to fulfill His promises. Trusting God's direction requires us to surrender our plans and be open to His leading, knowing that He is faithful to guide us. [54:15]
Psalm 37:23-24 (ESV): "The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust God's direction more fully? How can you practice surrendering your plans to His leading today?
Day 5: Relying on God's Provision
The miraculous provision for Elijah and the widow demonstrates that when we trust and obey God, He supplies all our needs according to His riches. This requires faith and surrender, believing that God is our ultimate provider. Elijah's reliance on God's provision, even in dire circumstances, is a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness. It challenges us to examine where we place our trust and to rely on God for our daily needs, knowing that He is able to provide abundantly. [58:09]
Philippians 4:19 (ESV): "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: Where do you find yourself struggling to trust God for provision? What step can you take today to rely more fully on His faithfulness to provide?
Quotes
1. "And the reason was very simple. The more you practiced, the more it became second nature to you. And so when you got in that situation, you knew what to do without having to think about it. It reminds me of the idiom that most of you have heard that practice makes what? Practice makes perfect. What does that mean? It means the more you do something over and over, the more you repeat and rehearse it, usually the better you become at it. So whether it's acting, arithmetic, art, athletics. Repetition and persistence most often leads to greater proficiency." [31:01] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "He was a nobody from nowhere that God made a somebody somewhere. For his glory. And I love his story. And I love how God worked in his life." [32:42] (8 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And yet I share that with you because there's nothing special about Elijah. Except that he believed and trusted God. And that's why I say he was a nobody from nowhere that God made a somebody from somewhere. It's because when everyone else turned their back on God, when everyone else had fallen away and began to follow idols, Elijah, because of his conviction and because of his courage, was willing to take a stand for the things of God and with God." [37:49] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God often does that in our lives. God will often, because of what he's wanting to do, what he's wanting to accomplish into our lives, he has to pull us to the side to work on us so when the time comes, we're ready and able. It reminds me of a quote by A .W. Tozer that says this, God never uses anyone greatly until he tests them deeply." [38:50] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We all have to decide if we want God's will and we want to live out God's will, we have to abandon our comfort zone. We have to abandon the comfort zone. See, it happened in verse seven. It says it happened after a while that the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land." [40:45] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "See, too often I think we hunger for comfort and convenience and it prevents us from being willing to follow the leading of God in our lives. And the result is we overstay our welcome and we miss God's best for us. And so what does God have to do? He has to orchestrate circumstances. To make us uncomfortable." [43:04] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "You have to set your God default to yes. See, when God calls, you have to decide, am I going to stay or am I going to obey? I want you to listen to what happens in this scripture. It says, The word of the Lord came to Elijah, saying, Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs in Sidon, and dwell there. I have commanded a widow there to provide for you. So he arose and went to Zarephath." [44:33] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Just because God calls doesn't mean the timing is immediate. I want you to listen to that again. Just because God calls doesn't mean the timing is immediate. Sometimes he's just pointing us in the right direction, getting us ready for when the timing's right." [51:49] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "When you choose to trust and obey God, and you follow his lead in his life, he says, I shall supply all your needs according to his riches and glory. The key is, you have to trust and obey and say, God, I want your will more than I want my will. And God says, when you do that, I will take care of you." [59:52] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "The call of the Christian life is to know God and to make him known to others. And what I fear is that most of us know God but we never make him known. Because to be honest with you we just don't care about someone that we might label a pagan today. And the real question ought to be how far. How far are we willing to go in order to make his name known?" [01:05:11] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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