The God of Encouragement
Introduction
1 Kings 19:1-18
At times, we all can get discouraged and feel defeated as Christians. Some of you may feel that way right now. It is not a sin to be discouraged, but God does not want us to stay in that condition. Elijah was a great man of God, but he became discouraged too. He was a strong and rugged man who challenged King Ahab and took on the 450 false prophets of Baal.
I. CAUSE OF DISCOURAGEMENT
A. ELIJAH’S FEAR. (v. 1-2)
B. ELIJAH’S FATIGUE.
Wearied from days of ministry
C. ELIJAH’S FRUSTRATION
Alone to face 450 false prophets
II. CARE DURING DISCOURAGEMENT
A. ELIJAH’S REQUEST. (v. 4)
Elijah’s request was to die. He considered himself a failure for not turning Israel back to God.
Ruth Bell Graham wrote in her wonderful book entitled, It's My Turn, tells of a day when she was burdened with many cares … from a day when she felt totally inadequate as a mother and wife. These are her words: “I am a weak, lazy, indifferent character; casual when I should be concerned, concerned when I should be carefree; self-indulgent, hypocritical, begging God to help me when I am hardly willing to lift a finger for myself; quarrelsome where I should be silent, silent where I should be outspoken; vacillating, easily distracted and sidetracked. Thou knowest how soon my mind from Heavenly things to earthly is drawn aside. How oft I fail and fall.”
Come ye sinners, poor and needy,
Weak and wounded,
Sick and sore;
Jesus, waiting, stands to help you,
Full of mercy, love and power …
Let not conscience bid you linger,
Nor of fitness fondly dream;
All the fitness he requireth
Is to feel your need of Him."
B. ELIJAH’S REFRESHMENT. (v. 5-7)
The Lord sent the angel to provide Elijah with food and water. The angel touched him twice. The food supplied Elijah’s physical needs and the touch supported him emotionally. This encouraged Elijah in knowing that God cared for him.
III. CURE FOR DISCOURAGMENT
A. ELIJAH’S CONFRONTATION BY GOD. (v. 9, 13)
1. His faithless action. (v. 9, 13)
Elijah hid in the cave. Elijah was a prophet who was called by God to speak to the people on the Lord’s behalf.
2. His flawed attitude. (v. 11-13)
Elijah had a flawed attitude toward the ways and works of the Lord. God taught Elijah that He does not always manifest His power and presence like He had on Mount Carmel. God had to teach him to look at the little things.
3. His foolish assumptions. (v. 14, 18)
Elijah made two foolish assumptions. He assumed that he was the only one left who believed in the Lord and that God was finished with his ministry. Someone has said: “Self-pity is the enemy of all spiritual growth. As long as you feel sorry for yourself, you’ll make a thousand excuses for not facing your own problems and you’ll never get better.”
B. ELIJAH’S COMMISSION BY GOD. (v. 15-17)
The Lord commanded Elijah to return and anoint Hazael to be king over Syria, to anoint Jehu as king over Israel, and to anoint Elisha to be a prophet in Elijah’s place.
LESSONS FOR LIFE:
1. Spiritual danger is very high after great spiritual victories.
2. Physical rest is essential to fulfill your spiritual potential.
3. Look for God in the small things. He is there to encourage you.
4. Never quit! The spiritual valleys of life only lead upward.
5. Hearing and following the voice of the Shepherd is greater than witnessing miracles.
6. The first step of faith is to turn to Christ and trust Him as your Savior.