Hideout when Discouraged

Our Philosophy/ Vision: Disciple our kids to a lasting commitment to Jesus.

Scripture:

1 Kings 19:1–7 ICB:VCCRU

King Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done. Ahab told her how Elijah had killed all the prophets with a sword. So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah. Jezebel said, “By this time tomorrow I will kill you. I will kill you as you killed those prophets. If I don’t succeed, may the gods punish me terribly.” When Elijah heard this, he was afraid. So he ran away to save his life. He took his servant with him. When they came to Beersheba in Judah, Elijah left his servant there. Then Elijah walked for a whole day into the desert. He sat down under a bush and asked to die. Elijah prayed, “I have had enough, Lord. Let me die. I am no better than my ancestors.” Then Elijah lay down under the tree and slept. Suddenly an angel came to him and touched him. The angel said, “Get up and eat.” Elijah saw near his head a loaf baked over coals and a jar of water. So he ate and drank. Then he went back to sleep. Later the Lord’s angel came to him a second time. The angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat. If you don’t, the journey will be too hard for you.”

Elijah Flees to Sinai

19 When Ahab got home, he told Jezebel everything Elijah had done, including the way he had killed all the prophets of Baal. 2 So Jezebel sent this message to Elijah: “May the gods strike me and even kill me if by this time tomorrow I have not killed you just as you killed them.”

3 Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there. 4 Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.”

5 Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. But as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, “Get up and eat!” 6 He looked around and there beside his head was some bread baked on hot stones and a jar of water! So he ate and drank and lay down again.

7 Then the angel of the Lord came again and touched him and said, “Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you.”

I Kings 19:1-8 NLT

Purpose:

When we are afraid there are many ways we deal with our fears. For Elijah he needed a hideout so he could be far away from the things that caused his fear. He had done everything right, he was the servant of God and faithfully followed God daily. Yet, there was fear because his enemies were always trying to kill him. Elijah had experienced enough! But we learn from this story that God does not forget us even when we face the greatest of fears. At this hideout God provided him water and food as he was too weak to provide for himself. Daily he was was with him with nourishment and comfort.

Outline:

Running on Empty: God’s Provision in Our Weakness

Bible Passage: 1 Kings 19:1–8

Summary: In 1 Kings 19, the prophet Elijah, after a momentous victory over the prophets of Baal, faces a crisis of faith and fear when threatened by Queen Jezebel. In his despair, he runs away, seeking to escape his situation. God meets him in his weakness, providing rest, food, and encouragement.

Application: This passage reminds us that even our most brave moments can lead to feelings of weariness and despair. By trusting in God's provision, children can learn that it’s acceptable to feel weak and that God is always there to meet their needs, offering comfort and strength just when we need it most.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that God cares for us in our weak moments, showing us that asking for help and resting are part of living a faith-filled life. Children will learn that it’s okay to be afraid or feel alone, but God is always near to help us even when we run away from our challenges.

Big Idea: Even in our greatest exhaustion, God provides for us and meets our needs, reminding us that it's okay to feel weak because He is our strength.

Escape with Elijah

1 Kings 19:1–3 NLT

When Ahab got home, he told Jezebel everything Elijah had done, including the way he had killed all the prophets of Baal. So Jezebel sent this message to Elijah: “May the gods strike me and even kill me if by this time tomorrow I have not killed you just as you killed them.” Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there.

Queen Jezebel threatened him, and he felt scared and alone.

even when we're doing our best, we can feel afraid and want to run away.

Elijah felt finished because of his fears,

Let us see that it's okay to have tough feelings.

Be encouraged that they are not alone and that God is with them, offering hope and guidance.

Express Your Emotions

1 Kings 19:4 NLT

Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.”

Expressing our hurts and fears

“I have had enough...just let me die”

I can’t do this any longer

Embrace God's Care

1 Kings 19:5–8 NLT

Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. But as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, “Get up and eat!” He looked around and there beside his head was some bread baked on hot stones and a jar of water! So he ate and drank and lay down again. Then the angel of the Lord came again and touched him and said, “Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you.” So he got up and ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength to travel forty days and forty nights to Mount Sinai, the mountain of God.

Remember God cares about us..

Remember God provides for us in our weakest moments

Remember God gives us comfort even when we think we are alone.

Object Lesson:

Here is a simple, hands-on object lesson based on 1 Kings 19:1-8, where Elijah was discouraged, exhausted, and wanted to give up, but God cared for him, fed him, and gave him strength for the journey ahead.

Object Lesson: "God Gives Strength When We Feel Like Giving Up"

Bible Passage

1 Kings 19:1-8

Main Truth

When we are tired, scared, discouraged, or ready to quit, God cares for us and gives us the strength we need.

Supplies

A backpack

Several heavy books or canned goods

A granola bar or piece of bread

A bottle of water

Demonstration

Step 1: Carrying the Load

Ask for a volunteer.

Place the backpack on the volunteer and begin adding books.

Ask:

"How does this feel?"

"Would you want to keep walking a long distance carrying all this?"

Explain: "Sometimes life feels heavy. Elijah felt overwhelmed. Queen Jezebel threatened to kill him, and Elijah became afraid and ran away."

Step 2: Feeling Like Quitting

Continue holding the backpack.

Ask the volunteer:

"If you had to walk for hours carrying this, what would you want to do?"

Most will answer, "Stop" or "Quit."

Read or summarize 1 Kings 19:4:

Elijah sat under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. He said, "I have had enough, Lord."

Explain: "Even great heroes of faith can become tired and discouraged."

Step 3: God's Care

Remove the heavy backpack.

Give the volunteer the bread/granola bar and water.

Ask:

"Does it feel better now?"

"Would you have more energy after eating and drinking?"

Explain: "God didn't begin by scolding Elijah. God cared for his physical needs first. God sent an angel to give him food and water."

Step 4: Strength for the Journey

Read 1 Kings 19:7-8.

Explain: "The food God provided gave Elijah strength to travel forty days and forty nights. God gave Elijah exactly what he needed."

Lesson Discussion

Ask:

Have you ever felt like giving up?

Why was Elijah discouraged?

What did God do for Elijah?

How does God help us when we are struggling today?

Who can we talk to when we feel overwhelmed?

Application

Sometimes kids feel overwhelmed by:

School work

Family problems

Friend troubles

Fear

Disappointment

Just as God cared for Elijah, He cares for us. God often strengthens us through:

Prayer

Reading the Bible

Family

Friends

Church

Proper rest and care

Memory Verse

Isaiah 40:31 NLT

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength."

Closing Prayer

"Dear God, thank You for caring about us when we are tired, scared, or discouraged. Help us remember that we can come to You when we feel like giving up. Give us strength for each day, just as You gave Elijah strength for his journey. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Grace Kids Takeaway

"When I feel like giving up, God gives me strength to keep going!" 💙

Biblical Background:

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Biblical Background for 1 Kings 19:1-8

This passage records what happened immediately after Elijah’s dramatic victory on Mount Carmel. It shows that even a courageous servant of God can become frightened and exhausted, while emphasizing God’s patient and practical care.

1. Israel’s spiritual condition

The events occurred in the northern kingdom of Israel during the reign of King Ahab. Ahab’s wife, Jezebel, promoted the worship of Baal and opposed the prophets of the Lord. Baal was associated with storms, rain, and agricultural fertility, so Israel’s drought directly challenged Baal’s supposed power.

Elijah’s ministry called Israel to turn away from idolatry and return to the Lord.

2. The victory on Mount Carmel

First Kings 19 follows the events of 1 Kings 18. On Mount Carmel, Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal before the people of Israel.

Elijah prayed, and God sent fire to consume the sacrifice. The people responded by declaring that the Lord is God. The prophets of Baal were then put to death, and God ended the drought by sending rain.

This was the high point of Elijah’s public ministry, while chapter 19 describes its difficult aftermath. [bible.org]

3. Jezebel’s threat

When Ahab told Jezebel what Elijah had done, she sent Elijah a message threatening to kill him within the next day.

Jezebel’s threat was especially serious because she had already persecuted the Lord’s prophets. Earlier, Obadiah had hidden one hundred prophets in caves to protect them from her. [enduringword.com]

Although Elijah had stood courageously before hundreds of false prophets, he became afraid and fled. His response reminds us that a great spiritual victory does not make someone immune to fear, exhaustion, or discouragement.

4. Elijah’s journey

Elijah traveled south from Jezreel to Beersheba, located in Judah. He left his servant there and continued alone into the wilderness.

This movement is important. Elijah was leaving the area controlled by Ahab and Jezebel, but he also appeared to be withdrawing from his public ministry. His physical journey reflected his emotional condition: he felt frightened, isolated, and overwhelmed.

5. Elijah under the broom tree

After traveling into the wilderness, Elijah sat under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. He told God, “I have had enough.”

Elijah’s words reveal profound discouragement. He had faithfully served God and witnessed an extraordinary victory, yet Jezebel remained defiant and the nation’s spiritual transformation appeared incomplete.

Elijah then fell asleep. His condition was not merely spiritual. He was physically exhausted and needed rest, food, and water.

6. God’s care for Elijah

God did not begin by condemning Elijah or giving him a long lecture. Instead, an angel touched him and told him to get up and eat.

God provided:

Rest

Bread

Water

A caring touch

Further direction

Elijah ate, drank, and lay down again. The angel returned a second time and said,“Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.”

This demonstrates God’s compassion. God understood Elijah’s weakness and provided what he needed before sending him forward.

7. The forty-day journey

Strengthened by the food God provided, Elijah traveled for forty days and forty nights to Horeb, also called the mountain of God. Horeb is associated with Mount Sinai, where God entered into covenant with Israel and gave His law through Moses.

The forty-day journey connects Elijah’s experience with other significant biblical periods of testing and preparation. Elijah was not simply running away. God was leading him toward a personal encounter that would restore his perspective and renew his calling.

Major themes

God cares for discouraged people

Elijah was frightened and exhausted, but God did not abandon him.

Spiritual strength does not eliminate human weakness

A faithful servant can experience fear, disappointment, and emotional exhaustion.

Rest and physical care matter

God addressed Elijah’s need for sleep, food, and water before correcting his thinking or giving him another assignment.

God provides strength for the journey

Elijah’s strength did not come from his own determination. God supplied what he needed to continue.

Discouragement is not the end of the story

Elijah believed that his work had failed, but God still had a purpose, a message, and further ministry for him.

Kid-friendly summary

Elijah had just experienced an amazing victory, but then Jezebel threatened him. He became afraid, ran into the wilderness, and felt like giving up. God did not become angry with Elijah. God allowed him to rest, gave him food and water, and provided enough strength for the journey ahead.

Main teaching truth

When we are tired, frightened, or discouraged, God sees us, cares for us, and gives us the strength we need to keep going.

Cross References:

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Cross-References for 1 Kings 19:1-8

These passages connect Elijah’s experience with biblical themes of opposition, fear, discouragement, God’s provision, wilderness testing, and renewed strength.

1 Kings 19:1: Ahab reports Elijah’s actions

1 Kings 18:36-40 This gives the immediate background. God answered Elijah’s prayer with fire, and the prophets of Baal were defeated.

1 Kings 16:30-33 Describes Ahab’s wickedness, his marriage to Jezebel, and their promotion of Baal worship.

1 Kings 21:25-26 Shows Jezebel’s powerful influence over Ahab and his disobedience to God.

Jeremiah 36:26 Like Elijah, Jeremiah and Baruch experienced opposition from a wicked ruler, but God protected them.

1 Kings 19:2: Jezebel threatens Elijah

1 Kings 18:4 Jezebel had previously attempted to destroy the prophets of the Lord. Her threat against Elijah was consistent with her earlier persecution.

Nehemiah 6:9 Nehemiah’s enemies tried to frighten him so that God’s work would stop.

Psalm 37:12-13 The wicked may plot against the righteous, but God remains in control.

Matthew 5:10-12 Jesus teaches that those who are persecuted for righteousness should remember that God sees and rewards their faithfulness.

2 Timothy 3:12 Those who desire to live godly lives should expect opposition and persecution.

1 Kings 19:3: Elijah runs for his life

Genesis 12:11-13 Abraham acted from fear even though he had previously demonstrated faith in God.

1 Samuel 21:10-12 David became afraid and fled from King Saul.

Psalm 56:3-4 David declared that whenever he was afraid, he would put his trust in God.

Matthew 14:29-31 Peter’s attention shifted from Jesus to the storm, and fear overcame his faith.

2 Timothy 1:7 God gives His people a spirit of power, love, and self-control rather than fear.

1 Kings 19:4: Elijah becomes discouraged

Numbers 11:14-15 Moses became overwhelmed by the burden of leading Israel and asked God to take his life.

Jonah 4:3, 8 Jonah became so discouraged that he also asked God to take his life.

Job 3:11 In deep suffering, Job expressed despair and wished that he had not lived.

Psalm 42:5 The psalmist spoke to his discouraged soul and reminded himself to hope in God.

2 Corinthians 1:8-9 Paul described being under such great pressure that he despaired of life, but the experience taught him to depend on God rather than himself.

These passages show that Elijah was not the only faithful servant who experienced profound discouragement.

1 Kings 19:5-6: God provides rest, food, and water

Genesis 21:14-19 God saw Hagar’s distress in the wilderness and provided water for her and her son.

Exodus 16:4, 13-15 God provided manna and quail for the Israelites in the wilderness.

Psalm 23:1-3 The Lord provides rest, refreshment, and restoration for His people.

Psalm 34:7 The angel of the Lord surrounds and delivers those who fear Him.

Matthew 4:11 After Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, angels came and ministered to Him.

Matthew 6:31-33 Jesus teaches His followers not to worry about food and clothing because their heavenly Father knows what they need.

1 Kings 19:7: “The journey is too great for you”

Deuteronomy 1:31 God carried Israel through the wilderness as a father carries his child.

Psalm 103:13-14 God has compassion on His children and remembers that they are physically weak.

Isaiah 40:29-31 God gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus invites weary and burdened people to come to Him for rest.

Hebrews 4:15-16 God understands human weakness and invites His people to approach Him for mercy and timely help.

1 Peter 5:7 Believers can give their anxieties to God because He cares for them.

1 Kings 19:8: Strength for the journey

Exodus 3:1 Moses came to Horeb, which is identified as the mountain of God.

Exodus 24:18 Moses remained on the mountain for forty days and forty nights.

Exodus 34:28 Moses spent forty days and nights with the Lord without eating bread or drinking water.

Deuteronomy 9:9, 18 Moses fasted for forty days and nights while seeking God on behalf of Israel.

Matthew 4:1-2 Jesus fasted in the wilderness for forty days and forty nights.

Mark 1:12-13 Jesus was in the wilderness for forty days, where angels ministered to Him.

2 Corinthians 12:9 God’s grace is sufficient, and His power is displayed through human weakness.

Elijah’s forty-day journey resembles the forty-day experiences of Moses and Jesus. Horeb was also the mountain where God had met Moses. [openbible.info], [biblehub.com]

Main Cross-Reference Themes

When we are afraid

Psalm 56:3-4

Isaiah 41:10

2 Timothy 1:7

When we feel discouraged

Psalm 42:5

Isaiah 40:29–31 NLT

He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

2 Corinthians 1:8–9 NLT

We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead.

When we need God’s care

Psalm 23:1–3 NLT

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.

Psalm 103:13-14

Matthew 6:31–33 NIV84

So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

1 Peter 5:7 NLT

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

When the journey feels too difficult

Deuteronomy 1:31 NLT

And you saw how the Lord your God cared for you all along the way as you traveled through the wilderness, just as a father cares for his child. Now he has brought you to this place.’

Matthew 11:28-30

2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

Philippians 4:13

Key teaching connection

1 Kings 19:1-8 connects especially well with Isaiah 40:29-31: God does not abandon weary people. He sees their weakness, cares for their needs, and renews their strength so they can continue the journey.

Special Notes:

Here is a Grace Kids Worship Song List that matches the themes of 1 Kings 19:1-8: God's care, strength for the weary, trusting God when afraid, and God's provision during difficult times.

Grace Kids Song List

Theme: "God Gives Me Strength"

1. My God Is So Big

Connection: Elijah learned that God was bigger than Jezebel's threats and bigger than his fears.

Key Truth: God is greater than every problem we face.

2. He's Got the Whole World in His Hands

Connection: Even when Elijah felt alone in the wilderness, God was still caring for him.

Key Truth: God is always in control.

3. Be Strong and Courageous

(Based on Joshua 1:9)

Connection: Elijah was afraid, but God gave him strength for the journey ahead.

Key Truth: God is with us wherever we go.

4. Every Move I Make

Connection: God guided Elijah through the wilderness and to Mount Horeb.

Key Truth: We can follow God every day.

5. God Will Make a Way

Connection: God provided food and water when Elijah needed help.

Key Truth: God always provides what we need.

6. Fear Not

(Based on Isaiah 41:10)

Connection: Elijah was fearful, yet God stayed with him.

Key Truth: We do not have to be afraid because God is with us.

7. One Way

(Hillsong Kids)

Connection: Elijah continued following God's path even when the journey was difficult.

Key Truth: Jesus is the way we follow.

8. This Little Light of Mine

Connection: Elijah stood for God in a dark and sinful time.

Key Truth: We can shine for Jesus wherever we are.

9. Our God Is Greater

Connection: The victory on Mount Carmel showed that God is greater than all false gods.

Key Truth: Nothing is more powerful than God.

10. I've Got Peace Like a River

Connection: God brought comfort and care to Elijah when he was discouraged.

Key Truth: God gives peace during hard times.

Preschool Songs

Jesus Loves Me

Connection: God cared for Elijah just as He cares for us.

God Is So Good

Connection: Elijah experienced God's goodness through His provision.

Father Abraham

Connection: Reminds children that they belong to God's family.

This Is the Day

Connection: Encourages joy and trust in God's daily care.

Worship Set Suggestion

Opening

My God Is So Big

Every Move I Make

Before the Lesson

Fear Not

Be Strong and Courageous

Response Time

God Will Make a Way

I've Got Peace Like a River

Closing

Our God Is Greater

Memory Verse Song

Isaiah 40:31

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles..."

This verse perfectly connects to Elijah's experience in 1 Kings 19:1-8 and reinforces the lesson's main idea:

"When I feel tired, afraid, or ready to give up, God gives me strength for the journey." 💙✝️

This lesson is just a suggestion please feel free to change it as you see best suits this Scripture.