Overcoming Discouragement

1 Kings 19:9–21 (ESV)

9 There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 10 He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” 11 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. 12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. 13 And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 14 He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” 15 And the Lord said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. 16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place. 17 And the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael shall Jehu put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha put to death. 18 Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” 19 So he departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen in front of him, and he was with the twelfth. Elijah passed by him and cast his cloak upon him. 20 And he left the oxen and ran after Elijah and said, “Let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.” And he said to him, “Go back again, for what have I done to you?” 21 And he returned from following him and took the yoke of oxen and sacrificed them and boiled their flesh with the yokes of the oxen and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and went after Elijah and assisted him.

Big Idea: We will be successful and overcome when we follow the plans of God.

Introduction:

How do you manage when your life hits a rough patch? What do you do when life hurts? We again are viewing the life of Elijah who is yet discouraged with life and frustrated.

Transition: As we look at Elijah’s dilemma I pray that we are encouraged to trust the plans of God for our lives and bring God glory. The text today offers us three steps to overcome discouragement. The first is:

Seek the Counsel of God (vv. 9-10)

“9 There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 10 He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.”

The prophet Elijah, feeling overwhelmed and lost, retreats to a cave on Mount Horeb. He's seeking guidance and a deeper connection with God. Elijah, prayed to God and sought God’s direction.

While he is overwhelmed with problems and pressures Elijah seeks the help of the Lord through prayer.

Application: Just because life is frustrating, it does not mean you are alone. You can’t make anything happen on your own. You need the help of God.

Listen for the Voice of God (vv.11-13)

“11 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. 12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. 13 And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

Through powerful natural events—a strong wind, an earthquake, and a fire—God captures Elijah's attention. However, God's voice ultimately comes in a gentle whisper.

This passage highlights the importance of patience, quiet reflection, and openness when seeking God's guidance. It emphasizes that God's counsel often comes in unexpected and subtle ways, inviting us to be attentive to His voice amidst the noise of life.

God speaks to call us to repent and reflect

God speaks to encourage and strengthen us

Application: Intentionally, seek to know what God is saying to you. Meditate and pray daily. Give God quiet moments and just hear what He is saying. Get away from all the hustle and bustle in life. Step away from the discouraging factors and hear from God. Sometimes the Lord’s voice can come through new opportunities that will bring Him Glory.

Follow God’s Directions (vv. 14-21)

1 Kings 19:14–21 (ESV)

14 He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” 15 And the Lord said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. 16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place. 17 And the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael shall Jehu put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha put to death. 18 Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” 19 So he departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen in front of him, and he was with the twelfth. Elijah passed by him and cast his cloak upon him. 20 And he left the oxen and ran after Elijah and said, “Let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.” And he said to him, “Go back again, for what have I done to you?” 21 And he returned from following him and took the yoke of oxen and sacrificed them and boiled their flesh with the yokes of the oxen and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and went after Elijah and assisted him.

Go where God Sends (v.15)

God back to where he came from

Do what God says (vv.16-18)

Anoint two kings

Use Whom God Chooses (vv.19-21)

Develop a mentoring relationship

Application: Do not allow discouragement cause you to ignore the will of God. God is never going to allow you to leave His will and succeed at your own. God will not allow you to quit working for Him and set up shop for yourself and mask it as what He wants you to do and give you success. God requires you and me to follow His plan. God’s plan may not be pretty and it may not be easy but it is His plan and we are victorious when we do things His way.

I know you want your own thing but you can’t have it until God gets what He is asking you for.