Prayer
Because the primary goal of our time together is to establish relationships and learn how to walk with one another in all that God has called us to be and do, we’d like to begin by praying for one another. So, does anyone have anything you’d like us to pray for or anything to share regarding how you’ve seen God moving in your life that we can celebrate together?
Opening Question
Did you do anything new this year to celebrate the Fourth of July?
Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.”
Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 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.” Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep.
All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.
The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.– 1 Kings 19:1-8
Elijah’s Despair
In the sermon, Pastor Brett explained that when verse 3 says “Elijah was afraid,” the Hebrew word can also be translated “Elijah saw,” meaning that Elijah observed the likely outcome of his circumstances and was disillusioned because it was not the outcome he hoped God would provide.
What emotions and expectations do you imagine drove Elijah to despair?
Have you ever despaired similarly, wanting God to act or move in a way he didn’t? How did you navigate that situation?
God’s response
God met Elijah’s relational needs by meeting Elijah where he was. What spiritual practices from his past helped Elijah be sensitive to God’s nearness? When or where do you typically feel most relationally connected to God?
God met Elijah’s physical needs by feeding him and allowing him to rest. What part do nutrition and rest play in your life? Do you typically practice taking a sabbath day of rest each week? If not, what could you do to make space for more regular rest?
God met Elijah’s spiritual needs by supernaturally strengthening him for the journey ahead of him to Mount Horeb. What do you imagine the journey to Mount Horeb was like for Elijah? Has there been a time in life when you endured more than you could have naturally? What part have prayer and fasting played in strengthening your faith in God?
Our Hope
God sent Elijah to Mount Horeb, which is also known as Mount Sinai, the mountain where God gave his law to the Israelites. In Matthew 5:17-20, Jesus taught his followers that he had come to fulfill the law, thereby setting humanity free from sin.
What power does the hope of eternal salvation have over despair in your life? How does being a part of a faith community help you center that hope in difficult times?
Just as the Angel of the Lord came to meet his needs by comforting and strengthening Elijah, God has come to meet our needs by comforting and strengthening us today. What do you need most from God this week? Try naming that need before our final time together in prayer.
Closing Thought
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
– Philippians 4:5-7
In your final time together, pray for one another, specifically asking God to meet the needs expressed in the final question above.