Overcoming Fear: Finding Hope in God's Presence
Summary
### Summary
Today, we reflected on the theme of fear and how it can paralyze us, much like the "rabbit in the room" that causes unnecessary alarm. We explored the life of Elijah, a prophet who faced immense struggles and fears but found God's presence and provision in his darkest moments. Elijah's story teaches us that God fights where we struggle, and He is always with us, even when we feel overwhelmed. We discussed how Elijah confronted King Ahab and the prophets of Baal, demonstrating God's power in a dramatic showdown. Despite this victory, Elijah soon found himself in despair, fleeing from Jezebel and wishing for death. Yet, even in his lowest moments, God provided for Elijah, sending an angel to sustain him and whispering to him in the quiet.
We learned that tough times make room for God's hope and that our provision comes from the Provider. Elijah's journey to Mount Sinai, where he experienced God's gentle whisper, reminds us that God is close, even when we feel distant. Finally, we emphasized the importance of passing on our faith to the next generation, just as Elijah did with Elisha. Our stories and experiences with God are platforms to inspire and guide others, especially the youth in our community.
### Key Takeaways
1. God Fights Where You Struggle: Elijah's confrontation with King Ahab and the prophets of Baal shows that God is present in our struggles. When Elijah declared there would be no rain, he was stepping into a significant conflict, but God was with him, demonstrating His power and faithfulness. Whatever your struggle, know that God is fighting for you. [12:00]
2. Tough Times Make Room for God's Hope: After his victory, Elijah faced despair and fled from Jezebel. This low point in his life illustrates that even after great victories, we can experience deep lows. However, these tough times create space for God's hope to shine through, reminding us that He is always near, ready to lift us up. [18:24]
3. Your Provision Comes from the Provider: In Elijah's darkest moment, God sent an angel to provide food and water, sustaining him for the journey ahead. This act of provision teaches us that God knows our needs and supplies them, not just for today but for our future as well. Trust that God will provide what you need to take the next step. [21:29]
4. God Speaks in Whispers: When Elijah reached Mount Sinai, God revealed Himself not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper. This teaches us that God's presence is often found in the quiet moments. To hear His voice, we must quiet our surroundings and draw close to Him, knowing that He is always near. [24:07]
5. Your Story is God's Platform: Elijah's journey culminated in passing his mantle to Elisha, ensuring the continuation of God's work. Our experiences and testimonies are powerful tools that God uses to inspire and guide others. By sharing our stories, we become platforms for God's work in the lives of others, especially the next generation. [28:02]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[04:27] - Summer Highlights
[05:44] - Baptism Sunday Announcement
[07:03] - Parental Concerns
[08:43] - The Rabbit in the Room
[10:16] - Fear and the Bunny Rabbit
[12:00] - God Fights Where You Struggle
[13:29] - Elijah's Confrontation with Ahab
[15:04] - God in the Struggle
[16:36] - Tough Times Make Room for God's Hope
[18:24] - Elijah's Despair
[20:08] - Focus on God's Presence
[21:29] - Provision from the Provider
[23:14] - Strength for Every Step
[24:07] - God Speaks in Whispers
[25:10] - Quieting the Noise
[26:13] - Your Story is God's Platform
[28:02] - Elijah and Elisha
[29:07] - Passing on the Faith
[33:49] - Call to Action
[34:57] - Facing Your Fears
[35:43] - Becoming the Next Elijah
[36:40] - Prayer and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 1 Kings 17:1 - "Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, 'As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.'"
2. 1 Kings 19:4 - "While he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. 'I have had enough, Lord,' he said. 'Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.'"
3. 1 Kings 19:11-12 - "The Lord said, 'Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.' Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper."
### Observation Questions
1. What did Elijah declare to King Ahab in 1 Kings 17:1, and what was the significance of this declaration? [12:00]
2. Describe Elijah's emotional state and actions in 1 Kings 19:4. What does this reveal about his mental and spiritual condition? [18:24]
3. In 1 Kings 19:11-12, how did God choose to reveal Himself to Elijah, and what does this method of revelation signify? [24:07]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Elijah's confrontation with King Ahab and the prophets of Baal illustrate the concept that "God fights where you struggle"? [12:00]
2. What can we learn from Elijah's experience of despair and God's provision in 1 Kings 19:4 about handling our own moments of deep discouragement? [18:24]
3. Why might God choose to speak in a gentle whisper rather than through more dramatic means, as seen in 1 Kings 19:11-12? How does this affect our understanding of how God communicates with us? [24:07]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like you were in a significant struggle. How did you see God fighting for you in that situation? How can you remind yourself of God's presence in future struggles? [12:00]
2. Elijah experienced a dramatic high followed by a deep low. Have you ever experienced a similar emotional rollercoaster? How did you find hope during the tough times? [18:24]
3. Elijah received provision from God in his darkest moment. What are some practical ways you can trust God to provide for your needs, both now and in the future? [21:29]
4. God spoke to Elijah in a gentle whisper. What steps can you take to quiet your surroundings and listen for God's voice in your life? [24:07]
5. Elijah's story became a platform for God's work. How can you use your personal experiences and testimonies to inspire and guide others, especially the younger generation? [28:02]
6. Identify a "rabbit in the room" in your life—something that causes you unnecessary fear. How can you confront this fear with the knowledge that God is in control? [10:16]
7. Who in your life can you mentor or guide, much like Elijah did with Elisha? What steps can you take to pass on your faith and experiences to the next generation? [29:07]
Devotional
Day 1: God Fights Where You Struggle
In the story of Elijah, we see a powerful example of God stepping into our struggles. Elijah confronted King Ahab and the prophets of Baal, declaring that there would be no rain until he said so. This was a significant conflict, but God was with Elijah, demonstrating His power and faithfulness. Elijah's boldness in the face of such opposition shows us that God is present in our struggles, fighting on our behalf. Whatever your struggle, know that God is fighting for you. He is not distant or indifferent but actively involved in your life, working to bring about His purposes.
Elijah's confrontation with Ahab and the prophets of Baal was a dramatic showdown that highlighted God's supremacy over false gods. Despite the overwhelming odds, Elijah stood firm, trusting in God's power. This teaches us that no matter how daunting our challenges may seem, we can trust that God is with us, fighting our battles. We are not alone in our struggles; God is our ever-present help in times of need. [12:00]
1 Kings 18:36-39 (ESV): "And at the time of the offering of the oblation, Elijah the prophet came near and said, 'O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word. Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back.' Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, 'The Lord, he is God; the Lord, he is God.'"
Reflection: Think of a current struggle you are facing. How can you invite God into this struggle and trust that He is fighting for you?
Day 2: Tough Times Make Room for God's Hope
Elijah's story takes a turn after his victory over the prophets of Baal. Despite this triumph, he soon found himself in despair, fleeing from Jezebel and wishing for death. This low point in his life illustrates that even after great victories, we can experience deep lows. However, these tough times create space for God's hope to shine through, reminding us that He is always near, ready to lift us up. Elijah's despair was met with God's provision and presence, showing us that our darkest moments can be opportunities for God's hope to break through.
In our own lives, we may face seasons of despair and discouragement, even after experiencing significant victories. These tough times can feel overwhelming, but they also make room for God's hope to enter our hearts. When we are at our lowest, God is there, ready to lift us up and provide the hope we need to keep going. Trust that in your darkest moments, God's hope is near, ready to shine through and bring you comfort and strength. [18:24]
1 Kings 19:3-5 (ESV): "Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, 'It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.' And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, 'Arise and eat.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt despair after a significant victory. How did God provide hope and strength during that time? How can you seek His hope in your current struggles?
Day 3: Your Provision Comes from the Provider
In Elijah's darkest moment, God sent an angel to provide food and water, sustaining him for the journey ahead. This act of provision teaches us that God knows our needs and supplies them, not just for today but for our future as well. Trust that God will provide what you need to take the next step. Elijah's experience reminds us that our provision comes from the Provider, who is always aware of our needs and ready to meet them.
God's provision for Elijah was not just about meeting his immediate needs but also about preparing him for the journey ahead. This teaches us that God is not only concerned with our present circumstances but also with our future. He provides for us in ways that sustain us and equip us for what lies ahead. Trust that God knows your needs and will provide for you, both now and in the future. [21:29]
1 Kings 19:6-8 (ESV): "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.' And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God."
Reflection: Consider a current need in your life. How can you trust God to provide for this need, knowing that He is aware of your situation and ready to meet your needs?
Day 4: God Speaks in Whispers
When Elijah reached Mount Sinai, God revealed Himself not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper. This teaches us that God's presence is often found in the quiet moments. To hear His voice, we must quiet our surroundings and draw close to Him, knowing that He is always near. Elijah's experience on Mount Sinai reminds us that God speaks in whispers, and we must be attentive to hear His voice.
In our noisy and busy world, it can be challenging to hear God's gentle whisper. We often expect God to speak in dramatic ways, but He often chooses to reveal Himself in the quiet moments. To hear His voice, we must intentionally create space for silence and stillness in our lives. By quieting our surroundings and drawing close to God, we can become more attuned to His gentle whispers and experience His presence in a deeper way. [24:07]
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: How can you create space for silence and stillness in your daily routine to hear God's gentle whisper? What distractions do you need to eliminate to draw closer to Him?
Day 5: Your Story is God's Platform
Elijah's journey culminated in passing his mantle to Elisha, ensuring the continuation of God's work. Our experiences and testimonies are powerful tools that God uses to inspire and guide others. By sharing our stories, we become platforms for God's work in the lives of others, especially the next generation. Elijah's mentorship of Elisha reminds us of the importance of passing on our faith and experiences to others.
Our stories and experiences with God are not just for our benefit but are meant to be shared with others. By sharing our testimonies, we can inspire and guide others, especially the youth in our community. Our stories become platforms for God's work, helping others to see His faithfulness and love. Just as Elijah passed on his mantle to Elisha, we are called to pass on our faith and experiences to the next generation, ensuring the continuation of God's work. [28:02]
2 Kings 2:9-10 (ESV): "When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, 'Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you.' And Elisha said, 'Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.' And he said, 'You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it shall be so for you, but if you do not see me, it shall not be so.'"
Reflection: Think of a personal testimony or experience with God that has impacted your faith. How can you share this story with someone in your life to inspire and guide them in their own faith journey?
Quotes
1. "We had kids come forward to accept Jesus into their life. We had kids come forward that want to take the next step in their relationship with Jesus. It was awesome. And you know that we just had CY camp. We had 161 kids that went away and had the best time, and it was an amazing time to see that kids' lives were changed. We had 25 salvations up at camp, kids that for the first time, they want to come to know Jesus." [05:44] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Parents, we have financial concerns. We also have concerns with social media. A 2022 survey found that 65% of parents are concerned with the impact that social media is having on their children and are fearful about what happens when they're online. I want you to know that, parents, we also have self-worth concerns, a study found that 62% of parents worry that they are not good enough and that their choices are negatively impacting their kids." [07:03] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I want you to know this, is that Elijah was entering the biggest struggle of his life. And I want you to know this as well, that God is in the struggle. That whatever you're facing, whatever is in front of you, know that you're not struggling alone, but that God is right there with you. He sees what you're going through. He feels what you're going through. And if you feel like you can't go further, know that God is in the struggle." [15:04] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I want you to know this is that the victory that we have today doesn't guarantee we won't face defeat tomorrow. It doesn't. But Elijah's life showed from a high to a low. And I want you to know this is that hope is never far away. Whatever you're going through, whatever we face as we go into this new season, this new school year, know that hope is never far away. God is always there with us. He wants us to have this relationship with him." [20:08] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When we focus on the problem like Elijah did, he forgot the meaning of his name. He forgot what God was doing for him. And he forgot about God pulling him through. So when we go through tough times, trials, anxiety, stress, whatever it might be, instead of focusing on the problem, we lose focus on the presence of God. So when we focus on the problem, we lose focus on the presence of God. And when we do, we will see what God does in all of our lives." [20:08] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "I want you to know this, is that God supplies our needs for the day. And that he gives us just enough for the day to help us to make it through. He knows the right amount. He knows what we need. And he supplies that need. And he was woke up two different times by the angel to give him food. And then he went back to sleep. And I want you to know is that God supplies the needs for the day. But he also supplies our needs for the future." [22:23] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "I want you to know is that whatever you're going through, God speaks in whispers. And sometimes, I want you to know this, is that God's provision comes as a quiet whisper. And why do people whisper? People whisper because they want to share the good information with you, and sometimes you only. But I found that the problems with whispers is that they are hard to hear, they are hard to understand, and you don't get the full story sometimes." [25:10] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "I want you to know is that whatever God has done in your life, he is putting that on a platform for you to share your God's story with those that are around you and that those are here at this church. So it says this, that God gave Elijah his next steps. His next step was to meet Elisha. So Elijah went and found Elisha, son of Shaphat, plowing a field. There were 12 teams of oxen in the field, and Elisha was plowing with the 12th team." [26:56] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "I believe in my heart that if we don't say yes to the next generation and what God has called us to do. The world will say yes to them. And we'll show them things and we'll lead them to things that we would never want our kids to go through. They're going through hard stuff. And we have to be those people that will say yes to the call that God has put on our lives. And yes to the things we've gone through to share our God's stories with them." [33:49] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Whatever fear that you're going through and the problem we're going to face coming into this new school year, remember that it's just a rabbit. It's nothing big, too big for God. So whatever that fear is, we're going to be giving it to God. And my last question for you is this. Who will be the next Elijah? Elijah for our Elishas. Who will do it? If we don't do it, our kids will be missing out." [35:43] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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