Listening for God's Whisper in Our Despair
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Missio. Today, we delved into the story of Elijah from 1 Kings 19, focusing on the different voices that influenced him: Queen Jezebel's mocking voice, Elijah's own fearful inner monologue, and ultimately, the still small voice of God. We began by discussing the triumphs and trials of Elijah, particularly his victory over the prophets of Baal and the subsequent threat from Jezebel that led him to flee in fear and despair. Elijah's journey is a powerful narrative of faith, fear, and God's unwavering support.
Elijah's story is a classic hero's journey, where he faces his greatest ordeal, experiences a significant victory, and then returns home only to find that his battle is not yet over. Despite his triumph, Elijah is met with rejection and threats, leading him to a state of despondency. He feels abandoned, a failure, and finished. However, God meets Elijah in his lowest moment, not with grand miracles but with simple acts of care—providing food, rest, and a gentle whisper that reassures him of his purpose and God's ongoing plan.
We explored how God ministers to the whole person—physically, relationally, and spiritually. Elijah's physical needs are met with food and rest, his relational needs are addressed through God's presence and listening ear, and his spiritual needs are fulfilled by God's gentle whisper and reaffirmation of his mission. This holistic approach to ministry is crucial for us as well, reminding us that God cares for every aspect of our being.
Elijah's story teaches us that even in our darkest moments, God is there, ministering to us in ways we might not expect. His whisper, rather than grand displays of power, often carries the most profound messages. We are reminded that God's plan is not finished, and we are not alone, forsaken, or failures. Instead, we are called to lean into God's presence, listen to His voice, and trust in His ongoing work in our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. God Ministers to the Whole Person: God addresses Elijah's physical, relational, and spiritual needs, showing that He cares for every aspect of our being. This holistic approach is essential for our well-being and spiritual growth. We must remember that God’s care extends beyond our immediate needs to our long-term well-being. [34:43]
2. The Power of God's Whisper: Elijah expected God to show up in grand miracles, but it was the still small voice that brought him back from despair. This teaches us that God's most profound messages often come in quiet, unexpected ways. We need to be attentive to His whisper in our lives. [07:01]
3. Faith Amidst Fear: Elijah's fear led him to flee and wish for death, yet he never denied God. This illustrates that even in our moments of greatest fear and doubt, we can still hold on to our faith. God understands our fears and meets us where we are, providing comfort and reassurance. [26:39]
4. God's Plan is Unfinished: Despite Elijah feeling like a failure, God reassures him that His plan is still in motion. This reminds us that our setbacks and disappointments do not signify the end of God's work in our lives. We must trust that He is continually working for our good. [50:11]
5. Community and Support: Elijah felt alone, but God reminded him of the 7,000 in Israel who had not bowed to Baal. This highlights the importance of community and support in our spiritual journey. We are not alone; we have the church and fellow believers to lean on and support us. [50:11]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [00:31] - Olympic Stories and Celine Dion
3. [02:40] - Introduction to Elijah's Story
4. [03:46] - Elijah's Triumph Over Baal
5. [05:21] - Jezebel's Threat and Elijah's Fear
6. [07:01] - God's Whisper to Elijah
7. [08:39] - Summer Camp and Isolation Theme
8. [10:10] - The Hero's Journey
9. [13:00] - Elijah's Commitment and Expectation
10. [16:00] - Elijah's Disappointment and Rejection
11. [19:36] - Elijah's Despair and Abandonment
12. [26:39] - Elijah's Fear and Flight
13. [33:10] - God's Provision and Care
14. [34:43] - Holistic Ministry
15. [50:11] - God's Unfinished Plan
16. [58:37] - Yahweh Proven by Ministry
17. [01:07:09] - Elijah's Last Stand with Jesus
18. [01:08:42] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1 Kings 19:1-18
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the three different voices that influenced Elijah in 1 Kings 19? ([03:12])
2. How did God provide for Elijah's physical needs when he was in despair? ([06:28])
3. What was Elijah's reaction to Jezebel's threat, and what did he do afterward? ([05:21])
4. How did God reveal Himself to Elijah on Mount Horeb? ([07:01])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Elijah felt so despondent after his victory over the prophets of Baal? ([19:36])
2. How does God's approach to ministering to Elijah (physically, relationally, and spiritually) reflect His care for us today? ([34:43])
3. What is the significance of God speaking to Elijah in a "still small voice" rather than through grand miracles? ([07:01])
4. How does Elijah's story illustrate the concept of faith amidst fear? ([26:39])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt despondent or fearful. How did you experience God's care during that time? ([05:21])
2. Elijah expected God to show up in grand miracles but found Him in a whisper. How can you be more attentive to God's "whispers" in your daily life? ([07:01])
3. Elijah's story shows that God ministers to the whole person. What are some practical ways you can take care of your physical, relational, and spiritual needs? ([34:43])
4. How can you support someone in your community who might be feeling alone or despondent, as Elijah did? ([50:11])
5. Elijah felt like a failure and that God's plan was finished. How can you remind yourself that God's plan is still in motion, even when you face setbacks? ([50:11])
6. In what ways can you lean into your faith and trust in God's ongoing work in your life, especially during challenging times? ([26:39])
7. How can you cultivate a supportive community around you, similar to the 7,000 in Israel who had not bowed to Baal? ([50:11])
Devotional
Day 1: God's Holistic Care for Us
God addresses Elijah's physical, relational, and spiritual needs, showing that He cares for every aspect of our being. This holistic approach is essential for our well-being and spiritual growth. We must remember that God’s care extends beyond our immediate needs to our long-term well-being. [34:43]
In 1 Kings 19, we see God ministering to Elijah in a comprehensive manner. After Elijah's victory over the prophets of Baal, he is threatened by Jezebel and flees in fear. In his despair, Elijah feels abandoned and wishes for death. However, God meets him in his lowest moment, not with grand miracles but with simple acts of care—providing food, rest, and a gentle whisper that reassures him of his purpose and God's ongoing plan. This narrative illustrates that God is attentive to every aspect of our lives, addressing our physical, relational, and spiritual needs.
God's care for Elijah is a powerful reminder that He is equally concerned about our holistic well-being. He provides for our physical needs, offers His presence and listening ear for our relational needs, and speaks to our spiritual needs through His gentle whisper. This comprehensive care is a model for how we should approach our own well-being and the well-being of others. We are encouraged to trust in God's provision and to care for ourselves and others in a holistic manner.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 (ESV): "Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: In what ways can you recognize and respond to God's holistic care in your life today? How can you extend this holistic care to someone else in your community?
Day 2: The Power of God's Whisper
Elijah expected God to show up in grand miracles, but it was the still small voice that brought him back from despair. This teaches us that God's most profound messages often come in quiet, unexpected ways. We need to be attentive to His whisper in our lives. [07:01]
Elijah's encounter with God on Mount Horeb is a profound lesson in recognizing the subtle ways God communicates with us. After fleeing from Jezebel, Elijah finds himself in a cave, feeling despondent and alone. He expects God to reveal Himself in dramatic ways—through wind, earthquake, or fire. However, God chooses to speak to Elijah through a gentle whisper. This unexpected mode of communication brings Elijah back from the brink of despair and reassures him of God's presence and purpose.
This narrative teaches us that God's most profound messages often come in quiet, unexpected ways. In a world filled with noise and distractions, it is crucial to cultivate a posture of attentiveness to God's whisper. We are reminded that God does not always operate through grand displays of power but often through the still, small voice that speaks directly to our hearts. By being attentive to His whisper, we can receive the guidance, comfort, and reassurance we need in our spiritual journey.
Isaiah 30:21 (ESV): "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."
Reflection: How can you create space in your daily routine to listen for God's gentle whisper? What distractions might you need to set aside to hear His voice more clearly?
Day 3: Faith Amidst Fear
Elijah's fear led him to flee and wish for death, yet he never denied God. This illustrates that even in our moments of greatest fear and doubt, we can still hold on to our faith. God understands our fears and meets us where we are, providing comfort and reassurance. [26:39]
Elijah's journey is marked by both triumph and fear. After his victory over the prophets of Baal, he is threatened by Jezebel and flees in fear, wishing for death. Despite his fear and despair, Elijah never denies God. Instead, he pours out his heart to God, expressing his feelings of abandonment and failure. In response, God meets Elijah where he is, providing comfort and reassurance through simple acts of care and a gentle whisper.
This narrative illustrates that faith and fear can coexist. Even in our moments of greatest fear and doubt, we can still hold on to our faith. God understands our fears and meets us where we are, offering His presence and comfort. Elijah's story encourages us to be honest with God about our fears and to trust that He will provide the reassurance and support we need. Our faith is not diminished by our fears; rather, it is strengthened as we experience God's faithfulness in the midst of our struggles.
Psalm 34:4 (ESV): "I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears."
Reflection: What fears are you currently facing? How can you bring these fears to God in prayer and trust Him to provide comfort and reassurance?
Day 4: God's Plan is Unfinished
Despite Elijah feeling like a failure, God reassures him that His plan is still in motion. This reminds us that our setbacks and disappointments do not signify the end of God's work in our lives. We must trust that He is continually working for our good. [50:11]
Elijah's sense of failure and despondency is met with God's reassurance that His plan is still in motion. After fleeing from Jezebel and expressing his feelings of abandonment, Elijah is reminded by God that there are still 7,000 in Israel who have not bowed to Baal. This revelation reassures Elijah that he is not alone and that God's work is far from finished. God's plan continues to unfold, even when Elijah feels like he has reached the end of his journey.
This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that our setbacks and disappointments do not signify the end of God's work in our lives. God's plan is much larger than our individual experiences, and He is continually working for our good. When we feel like failures or when our efforts seem fruitless, we can trust that God is still at work, orchestrating His purposes in ways we may not fully understand. Our role is to remain faithful and to trust in His ongoing work in our lives.
Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV): "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent setback or disappointment. How can you trust that God is still at work in this situation, and what steps can you take to remain faithful to His plan?
Day 5: Community and Support
Elijah felt alone, but God reminded him of the 7,000 in Israel who had not bowed to Baal. This highlights the importance of community and support in our spiritual journey. We are not alone; we have the church and fellow believers to lean on and support us. [50:11]
Elijah's sense of isolation is addressed by God's reminder that he is not alone. In his moment of despair, Elijah feels like he is the only one left who is faithful to God. However, God reveals to him that there are 7,000 in Israel who have not bowed to Baal. This revelation highlights the importance of community and support in our spiritual journey. Elijah is not alone; he has a community of fellow believers who share his commitment to God.
This narrative underscores the significance of community and support in our spiritual lives. We are not meant to journey alone; we have the church and fellow believers to lean on and support us. In times of isolation and despair, it is crucial to remember that we are part of a larger community of faith. By connecting with others and seeking support, we can find strength and encouragement to continue our journey. God's reminder to Elijah is a call for us to value and invest in our spiritual community.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you actively engage with your spiritual community this week? What steps can you take to offer and receive support within your church or fellowship group?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The victorious will always proclaim the glory of God. Elijah runs there ready. He runs there ready to say, God wins. You need to know that God wins. Elijah runs there and he's saying, you need to realize that God wins. And you need his mercy. You need his grace." [21:17] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God knows how to minister to the whole person. He knows how to minister to us in the short term. He knows how to minister to us in the long term. God is great at follow-up. God is great at putting people in our lives that will continuously pour into us and invest us. God has built his church for that very purpose, God will continue to minister to us for forevermore because there is no reason to leave God behind." [36:03] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Here's the truth that the fear of God tells us. I am who he says I am. It's the truth that the fear of God tells us that, although I might feel as though I am alone, I have his people to hold me accountable. I have his people to be in my life. Even though I feel like I'm a failure, I have everything that God has provided me on this earth so that he may continue ministering to me physically, relationally, and spiritually." [56:55] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Yahweh, who was once proven by a miracle, is now proven by his ministry. It's the moment where God shows up in Elijah's life, and he doesn't show up simply as a God who says, oh, well, hey, I'm going to feed you. But he shows up as a God who says, I'm going to feed you. I'm going to hang out with you. I'm going to listen to you. And then I'm going to talk to you. And when I talk to you, I'm going to lift you up and give you this incredible calling." [58:37] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Elijah seeks death, and instead he finds life in Christ. Why does Elijah not end it himself? He begs God to kill him, but he doesn't take any action, because even in Elijah's lowest moment, he doesn't believe that it's his right to take his own life. That solely belongs to God. When God speaks, listen, because his Word will give you life." [01:07:09] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Elijah flees in the midst of this eternal torment, this internal fear. He runs for his life, but cannot escape his fear. He flees for his life from Jezebel, and then in moments later, wishes to die. It seems ironic, but when he flees from Jezebel, he realizes that his fear follows him. He cannot escape his fear. He begs God for death. Elijah never denies God, but he certainly questions if following God is worth it anymore." [31:26] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Elijah's fears have become greater than his faith. And these are the things that lead us to, they allow us to wish and want for death. The moment where Elijah says, God, take my life, I'm done. Elijah has this incredible fear of man, this fear of, oh, well, God, if I keep following you, I'm going to die anyways, so might as well take me now. It's this moment where Elijah looks to God." [46:45] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "In the modern era, the question was, can I believe in God? But in the postmodern era, the question is, which God do I believe in? I mentioned the opening ceremony at the Olympics. There was a moment there where it seemed like a bunch of people who were in the performance decided that they needed to go against the grain of whatever it was that their director was telling them to do and wanted to make a mockery of Jesus in some way or fashion." [43:44] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Too often in the moment of great tragedy, we look at it and we go, God's plan must have ended here. But what we know, the truth is that God's plan will continue and keep going because God's will is not finished yet. Elijah is not alone. There's this remnant that God is preserving still in Israel, 7,000 Israelites, a people that have not bowed to idols or kissed the golden calf." [50:11] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We Christians will focus so much on the spiritual side of things that we forget that we are physical relational beings as well as spiritual. We focus on the other needs too great with an emphasis as well. There's times where we focus solely on the physical or solely on the relational besides just the spiritual. It's the person who presumes the issue is merely a biological chemistry issue with your brain." [51:33] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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