“StrengthFor The

Journey!”

1 Kings 19:1-10

Elijah’s Story: Ups and Downs

Context: Showdown, Elijah vs. False Prophets18:37 – “So they will know you are God…”Supernatural intervention – “fire fell!” vs. 38

Stunning victory of the Lord! Altar consumed Vs. 39 – “The Lord, He is God!” Vs. 40 - 450 prophets eliminatedVs. 46 – “The hand of the Lord was on Elijah”

The Resurgence of Evil …

Vs. 2 – Evil’s intimidation (1 Peter 5:8)Vs. 3 – Elijah was afraid and ran!

Vs. 4 – Elijah = “throw in towel” on life! ** can’t outrun his ‘family fabric of failure’ Vs. 5 – “Collapse: the end of the rope!”

Vs. 6 – God’s provision at the end of the rope

God’s Provision to Affliction

Vs. 5-6 – Elijah receives of the Lord – a supernatural provision

Vs. 7 – Revealed: Elijah’s need to depend on God “the journey is too great for you”Vs. 8 – The Journey to Horeb, Mtn. of God

vs. 9, 13 – God’s question to Elijah

Pain, Suffering Lead to New Insights About the Lord…

Vss. 11 – A new, fresh revelation of the Lord: ** not in the wind ** not in the earthquake ** not in the fire

** sound of a gentle blowingVs. 14 – “I alone am left!” Vs. 15 – “Healing = vision of a new mission” Elijah – “anoint a new king!”

Even the Strongest Meet Core Challenges

Elijah – From ecstatic victory to utter dispair Moses – Numbers 11:11 – “Why are you so hard on me?”vs. 15 – “If this is your plan, take me OUT!” Jesus – “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?”Ever been in so much pain, so acute, you conclude: “GOD HAS ABANDONED ME????”

Pain, Trial, Hardship Does Not Mean a Pullback on God’s Love

The fires of trial – James 1:2-4* Faith is tested vs. 3* Tests result in endurance vs. 3 (the root of “testimony” is … test!”)* The good shepherd’s provision: “today’s results are tomorrow’s foundation”* Benefit of trials to the believer: vs. 4 – (you may be) * perfect, complete, lacking in nothing!

Gleanings from Elijah’s Trek

1. Alone is not abandoned by God2. Silence from God is not absence3. God supernaturally supplies – watch! 4. His word for you may have come from your

own mouth! * Elijah to Ahab 1 Kings 18:41 – “Arise, eat!”* Angel to Elijah 1 Kings 19:5 – “Arise, eat!”

5. MUST lean on Him for our journeys 19:7