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Overcoming Discouragement (1 Kings 18) Elijah was a great man of God but being a man of life passions (James 5:17) even he would face discouragement in his life. He had just had one of the greatest victories of his life (1 Kings 17) but now he is discouraged and ready to die (18:4). God’s lessons in helping Elijah deal with that discouragement can help us in difficult times as well. |
Overcoming Discouragement (1 Kings 18)
Elijah was a great man of God but being a man of life passions (James 5:17) even he would face discouragement in his life. He had just had one of the greatest victories of his life (1 Kings 17) but now he is discouraged and ready to die (18:4). God’s lessons in helping Elijah deal with that discouragement can help us in difficult times as well.
- Rest & Eat (v5-7) – physical care of our bodies should not consume our time/attention (Matt. 4:4; 1 Tim. 4:8) but it is important (Mark 6:31-32, 36-37, 41-42).
- Be Challenged By The Word of God (v8) – check our thinking by the word of God; why do we feel this way? what is really the problem; have we prayed about it? Can we do anything about it? what good can come of this? (Ps. 42:10-11; Gen. 3:9; Phil. 4:6-7; James 1:2-4).
- Remember The God You Serve (v11-12) – He is the same God at all times who will not leave us (Heb. 13:5-6; Ps. 23:4; 2 Cor. 1:3, 10).
- Go To Work (v15-17) – Having rested and refocused, Elijah needed to get back to work; sitting around would not help (2 Cor. 1:4; 1 Cor. 15:58; Gal. 6:9; 2 Thess. 3:13)
- Remember You Are Not Alone (v18) – There were others enduring faithfully; we are not alone in the things we face (1 Cor. 10:13; 1 Pet. 5:8-9; Heb. 12:1-4).
- Get Some Help (v19-21) – You don’t have to face life’s problems alone (Gal. 6:2; 1 Thess. 5:14; 4:18; John 5:12; Heb. 10:24-25).
