Finding Strength and Presence: Lessons from Elijah
Summary
### Summary
As we embark on the summer season, many of us look forward to vacations and new experiences. This summer, we are starting a new sermon series called "Experiencing God," where we will explore how to deepen our relationship with God by learning from Old Testament heroes. Today, we focus on the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19, where he flees to Mount Horeb after a confrontation with King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. Elijah, feeling defeated and alone, prays for his life to end. However, God strengthens him through an angel who provides food and rest, enabling Elijah to continue his journey.
Elijah's story teaches us that experiencing God often requires us to be strengthened by Him, especially when we feel worn out by life's challenges. God provides what we need, whether it's physical sustenance or spiritual nourishment, to help us continue our journey. Additionally, we must learn to recognize God's presence, not just in grand, miraculous events, but also in the gentle whispers and small blessings of everyday life. Elijah initially believed he was alone in his struggles, but God revealed that there were still 7,000 faithful followers in Israel, reminding us that our perception of reality is not always accurate.
To experience God more fully, we must also respond to His call. Elijah was instructed to return and anoint new leaders, showing that God still had work for him to do. Similarly, we must act in obedience to God's word, whether it's through service, forgiveness, or trust. Jesus Himself often withdrew to lonely places to pray, setting an example for us to seek God's strength and guidance. As we navigate our own challenges, we are reminded that God is always with us, working in ways we may not immediately see or understand.
### Key Takeaways
1. Strengthened by God: Life can wear us down, making us feel like giving up. Just as Elijah was strengthened by an angel with food and rest, we too need to be nourished both physically and spiritually by what God provides. This might be through simple acts like sharing a meal with friends or taking a much-needed nap. These provisions, combined with worship and prayer, help us continue our journey with God. [06:06]
2. Recognizing God's Presence: Elijah initially believed he was alone in his struggles, but God revealed that there were still 7,000 faithful followers in Israel. This teaches us that our perception of reality is not always accurate. We must learn to recognize God's presence in the small, everyday blessings and not just in grand, miraculous events. [23:09]
3. Responding to God's Call: God instructed Elijah to return and anoint new leaders, showing that He still had work for Elijah to do. Similarly, we must act in obedience to God's word, whether it's through service, forgiveness, or trust. It's not enough to merely listen to God's word; we must put it into practice. [28:16]
4. Jesus' Example of Seeking Strength: Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray, even though He was constantly busy with His ministry. This shows us the importance of taking time to seek God's strength and guidance, especially when we are overwhelmed by life's demands. [16:09]
5. Trusting God's Unseen Work: Our reality is not always defined by what we see and experience. God often works in unseen ways, outside the realm of the extraordinary and spectacular. We must trust that God is always working, even when we can't immediately see or feel His presence. [24:18]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:04] - Introduction to Experiencing God Series
[02:10] - Road Trip with God
[03:07] - God Friended Me TV Show
[04:09] - Accepting God's Friend Request
[05:07] - Elijah's Story Begins
[06:06] - Strengthened by God
[07:23] - Elijah's Fear and Flight
[09:12] - Relating to Elijah's Despair
[10:18] - The Hotel Guest Story
[11:31] - God's Provision for Elijah
[12:38] - The Importance of Rest
[13:29] - Struggling with Noise and Distractions
[14:28] - God's Simple Provisions
[15:25] - Combining Physical and Spiritual Nourishment
[16:09] - Jesus' Example of Seeking Strength
[17:35] - Recognizing God's Presence
[18:03] - God's Presence in the Gentle Whisper
[19:34] - Elijah's Misconception of Being Alone
[20:10] - Believing the Lies of the Enemy
[21:42] - Trusting God's Unseen Work
[23:09] - God's Assurance to Elijah
[24:18] - God's Presence in the Ordinary
[25:21] - Be Still and Know God
[26:18] - Recognizing God's Presence in Little Things
[27:47] - Responding to God
[28:16] - God's Continued Work for Elijah
[29:10] - Acting in Obedience
[30:16] - God is Not Done with You
[31:34] - Responding to God's Call
[32:11] - Accepting God's Friend Request
[33:12] - Responding in Forgiveness and Service
[33:47] - Trusting God
[34:13] - Invitation to Respond
[34:54] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1 Kings 19:1-18 (NIV)
#### Observation Questions
1. What did Elijah do that made King Ahab and Queen Jezebel so angry? ([07:23])
2. How did God provide for Elijah when he was feeling defeated and alone? ([06:06])
3. What was Elijah's misconception about his situation, and how did God correct him? ([19:34])
4. What instructions did God give Elijah after he reached Mount Horeb? ([18:57])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Elijah felt so alone and discouraged despite his previous victories with God's help? ([20:10])
2. How does the story of Elijah illustrate the importance of recognizing God's presence in the small, everyday moments? ([24:46])
3. What can we learn from Jesus' example of withdrawing to lonely places to pray, and how does this apply to our own need for spiritual and physical rest? ([16:09])
4. How does Elijah's story show the importance of responding to God's call, even when we feel inadequate or discouraged? ([28:16])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt worn out by life's challenges. How did you find strength, and what role did God play in that process? ([06:06])
2. Elijah initially believed he was alone in his struggles. Have you ever felt isolated in your faith journey? How can you remind yourself of God's presence and the community of believers around you? ([19:34])
3. What are some small, everyday blessings in your life that you might be overlooking? How can you become more aware of God's presence in these moments? ([24:46])
4. Jesus often withdrew to pray despite his busy ministry. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are seeking God's strength and guidance regularly? ([16:09])
5. God instructed Elijah to anoint new leaders, showing that He still had work for him to do. What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to act in obedience? ([28:16])
6. Think about a current challenge you are facing. How can you trust that God is working in unseen ways, even if you can't immediately see or feel His presence? ([24:18])
7. Elijah's story emphasizes the importance of combining physical and spiritual nourishment. What are some practical ways you can ensure you are taking care of both your physical and spiritual needs? ([15:25])
Devotional
Day 1: Strengthened by God
Life can wear us down, making us feel like giving up. Just as Elijah was strengthened by an angel with food and rest, we too need to be nourished both physically and spiritually by what God provides. This might be through simple acts like sharing a meal with friends or taking a much-needed nap. These provisions, combined with worship and prayer, help us continue our journey with God. [06:06]
Elijah's story in 1 Kings 19 shows us that even the most faithful servants of God can feel overwhelmed and exhausted. After his confrontation with King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, Elijah fled to Mount Horeb, feeling defeated and alone. In his despair, he prayed for his life to end. However, God sent an angel to provide him with food and rest, strengthening him for the journey ahead. This teaches us that God is attentive to our needs and provides what we require to keep going, whether it's physical sustenance or spiritual nourishment.
We often overlook the importance of rest and simple provisions in our spiritual journey. Just as Elijah needed food and rest to regain his strength, we too must pay attention to our physical and spiritual well-being. Taking time to rest, eat well, and engage in worship and prayer can rejuvenate us and help us stay connected to God. Remember, God cares for our whole being and provides what we need to continue our journey with Him.
1 Kings 19:5-7 (ESV): "And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, 'Arise and eat.' And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. And the angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched him and said, 'Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.'"
Reflection: What simple acts of nourishment (physical or spiritual) can you incorporate into your life today to strengthen your journey with God?
Day 2: Recognizing God's Presence
Elijah initially believed he was alone in his struggles, but God revealed that there were still 7,000 faithful followers in Israel. This teaches us that our perception of reality is not always accurate. We must learn to recognize God's presence in the small, everyday blessings and not just in grand, miraculous events. [23:09]
Elijah felt isolated and believed he was the only one left who was faithful to God. However, God revealed to him that there were still 7,000 others in Israel who had not bowed to Baal. This highlights the importance of recognizing God's presence and work in our lives, even when we feel alone or overwhelmed. Our perception of reality can often be clouded by our emotions and circumstances, but God is always at work, often in ways we do not immediately see.
Learning to recognize God's presence in the small, everyday blessings can transform our perspective. Instead of waiting for grand, miraculous events, we should train our hearts to see God's hand in the ordinary moments of life. Whether it's a kind word from a friend, a beautiful sunset, or a moment of peace in a busy day, these are all reminders of God's constant presence and care for us.
1 Kings 19:18 (ESV): "Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him."
Reflection: What small, everyday blessings can you recognize as signs of God's presence in your life today?
Day 3: Responding to God's Call
God instructed Elijah to return and anoint new leaders, showing that He still had work for Elijah to do. Similarly, we must act in obedience to God's word, whether it's through service, forgiveness, or trust. It's not enough to merely listen to God's word; we must put it into practice. [28:16]
Elijah was given a new mission by God, to anoint new leaders and continue his prophetic work. This demonstrates that God still had plans for Elijah, despite his feelings of defeat and despair. In the same way, God has work for each of us to do. We are called to respond to His word with action, whether it involves serving others, extending forgiveness, or placing our trust in Him. Obedience to God's call is a crucial part of our spiritual journey.
It's easy to become passive listeners of God's word, but true discipleship requires us to put it into practice. This means actively seeking ways to serve, forgive, and trust in our daily lives. By responding to God's call, we participate in His work and experience His presence more fully. Remember, God has a purpose for each of us, and He equips us to fulfill it.
1 Kings 19:15-16 (ESV): "And the Lord said to him, 'Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place.'"
Reflection: What specific action can you take today to respond to God's call in your life?
Day 4: Jesus' Example of Seeking Strength
Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray, even though He was constantly busy with His ministry. This shows us the importance of taking time to seek God's strength and guidance, especially when we are overwhelmed by life's demands. [16:09]
Throughout His ministry, Jesus frequently withdrew to solitary places to pray and seek strength from the Father. Despite the demands of His ministry and the constant presence of crowds, Jesus prioritized time alone with God. This example teaches us the importance of seeking God's strength and guidance, especially when we are overwhelmed by life's demands. Taking time to pray and be still before God can provide the renewal and clarity we need to navigate our challenges.
In our busy lives, it's easy to neglect time for prayer and solitude. However, following Jesus' example means making intentional efforts to withdraw from the noise and distractions to connect with God. This practice not only strengthens our relationship with Him but also equips us to face our daily responsibilities with renewed energy and perspective. Remember, even Jesus needed time alone with the Father, and so do we.
Luke 5:16 (ESV): "But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray."
Reflection: How can you create space in your daily routine to withdraw and seek God's strength and guidance?
Day 5: Trusting God's Unseen Work
Our reality is not always defined by what we see and experience. God often works in unseen ways, outside the realm of the extraordinary and spectacular. We must trust that God is always working, even when we can't immediately see or feel His presence. [24:18]
Elijah's story reminds us that God's work is not always visible or dramatic. After fleeing to Mount Horeb, Elijah experienced God's presence not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper. This teaches us that God often works in unseen and subtle ways. Our reality is not solely defined by what we see and experience; God is always at work, even when we can't immediately perceive it.
Trusting in God's unseen work requires faith and patience. It's easy to become discouraged when we don't see immediate results or dramatic signs of God's presence. However, we must remember that God is always working behind the scenes, orchestrating His plans for our good. By trusting in His unseen work, we can find peace and assurance, knowing that He is in control and always with us.
1 Kings 19:11-12 (ESV): "And he said, 'Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.' And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke 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, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to trust that God is working, even if you can't see it? How can you practice patience and faith in His unseen work today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Because of all the things that we can experience in life, I believe that there's nothing greater that we can experience than God Himself. That He is the greatest experience." [02:10] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "What if connecting with God was as easy as just accepting a friend request? Like, what if it was as easy as that? And I want to suggest this. I want to suggest to you today that in some ways, in some ways it can be as easy as accepting a friend request." [04:09] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Friends, if you want to experience more of him, we have to sometimes learn to minimize that noise. The reason why we struggle sometimes to hear the voice of God is because our lives are just constantly busy. And we're just constantly surrounded. And our lives are filled with noise." [13:29] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Be still and know that I am God. In other words, don't trust what you see only. Don't rely only on what you feel. But know, know that God Almighty, He is still on His throne. And God Almighty, He is still working." [25:21] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God is not done with you. No matter who you are, no matter where you come from, no matter what you've done or what you haven't done, no matter what people say about you, God is not done with you. Even if you can't feel or see him working, he is with you." [30:16] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "You see, we live in a world that wears us out and wears us down. We live in a world where it is so easy to want to give up, to want to give in. And so we have to be strengthened by God." [07:23] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Some of you here today, you're in a difficult place right now. You just are. You're in a difficult place. Maybe with your family or relationally or with your finances or with your health. And some of us here today, we are struggling. We're struggling. Some of you are hurting. You're doubting. You're questioning." [13:29] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Friends, we need to know that too. Here's something else that we need to know about. If we're going to learn to experience God more and to more clearly hear his voice, then we need to recognize God's presence." [16:53] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You see, Elijah, having faithfully stood for God and served Him, he's now becoming bitter and discouraged and he's falsely believing that he is fighting the battle alone. He's fighting the battle alone, he thinks." [20:10] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And sometimes, sometimes we need God to set us straight and to show us the truth. And that's what God has to do with Elisha. Verse 18. God says to Elisha, basically, hold on, Elisha. Hold on, buddy. Just slow your roll, okay? Because what you're saying is not completely true." [22:27] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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