Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 19:1-10

Overcoming Discouragement

(Lessons from Elijah)

Intro.

1. From man’s way of thinking, Elijah had every reason to be discouraged to the point of despair – 1 Kgs. 19:3-4, 10, 14 --

a. Ungodliness of king Ahab led Israel into such sin that God withheld rain for over 3 years (1 Kgs. 18:17-18; 16:30-33).

b. Queen Jezebel massacred God’s prophets & was trying to kill him (1 Kgs. 18:4; 19:1-3).

c. An uncommitted & unwilling populace (1 Kgs. 18:21).

d. Seemed like Elijah was all alone (850 to 1, 1 Kgs. 18:19, 22).

2. Yet, the first thing God said to Elijah at the mountain of God was “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (1 Kgs. 19:9)

3. Maybe you are struggling with discouragement & doubt.

a. Elijah’s life is a potent lesson on overcoming discouragement.

b. The lessons learned from his life will help us see that, in times of discouragement, God could be asking us the same question!

4. And, like Elijah, our faith can be strengthened & our spirit renewed.

I. HOW TO OVERCOME DISCOURAGEMENT.

A. Remember What God has Done for you in the Past.

-(God has sustained you through past trials – 1 Kgs. 17-18).

1. Provisions for life – 1 Kgs. 17:1-7, 8-16 (Psa. 37:25; Matt. 6:31-34).

2. Victories over evil & error by His power – 1 Kgs. 18:36-40.

3. Saved you in Christ (2 Tim. 1:9); Victory over sin & death (1 Cor. 15:55-57); Labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Cor. 15:58).

B. See God’s Present Care & Keeping – 1 Kgs. 19:5-8.

1. We are all a product of God’s grace & love! – 1 Cor. 15:10

2. Spiritual blessings: We are justified by faith, stand in grace, rejoice in hope that does not disappoint, & have the love of God in our hearts! – Rom. 5:1-2, 5 (Eph. 1:3)

C. Strengthen Personal Faith – 1 Kgs. 19:4.

1. Even the strongest saint can become discouraged!

2. No one is immune to the debilitating power of discouragement.

3. A call to stronger faith – cf. Israel & Joshua – Deut. 31:6-8.

4. Discouragement is personal – it feels like you are alone – you are the only one to go through it…you’re not!

D. Keep Focused on the Right Things – 1 Kgs. 19:9-10.

1. We become discouraged when we start looking at (focusing on) the wrong things! – cf. Matt. 14:25-33

2. Focus on Jesus – Heb. 12:1-2 (Matt. 14:25-33).

a. Set your mind (goals, aspirations, etc.) on heaven (Col. 3:1-4).

b. The examples of faith that are set before us (Heb. 11:32-12:1).

E. See the Power of God at Work in Your Life – 1 Kgs. 19:11-14.

1. Power of Christ over sin & death (Matt. 28:18; Heb. 2:14-15).

2. Power of the gospel (Rom. 1:16).

3. Power of obedient living (Phil. 2:12-13).

4. Power to do all things God wants of you – Phil. 4:13.

F. Realize that God Still has Work for You to Do – 1 Kgs. 19:15-16.

1. God isn’t through with you yet! – Phil. 3:12.

2. You were created in Christ to do good works of God – Eph. 2:10.

3. Remain diligent! – Heb. 6:10-12; 1 Cor. 15:58

G. Understand that You are Not Alone – 1 Kgs. 19:18 (Rom. 11:4).

1. “What can man do to me?” – Heb. 13:6 (Rom. 8:31)

2. Regard God above & before men – Num. 14:9 (Matt. 10:28).

3. The Lord always stands with His faithful ones – 2 Tim. 4:16-18 (Heb. 13:5-6).

H. Keep Faith that God Will Avenge Every Wrong – 1 Kgs. 19:17.

1. Do not grow embittered & discouraged when others sin against you.

2. Do not try to “get even” out of your frustration – Rom. 12:17.

3. Live peaceably & do good – God will avenge evil – Rom. 12:18-21.

I. Don’t Forget to Rejoice & Pray – Phil. 4:4-7.

1. Expression of faith in & reliance upon God.

2. Fervent prayers of righteous ones is effective! – Jas. 5:16-18

Conclusion

1. Discouragement is the devil’s tool to weaken you & hinder your effectiveness in the kingdom – and finally, to cause your soul to be lost!

2. 1 Pet. 5:6-8 – Learn from Elijah how to cast your cares & troubles upon God – He will lift you up! (Don’t be devoured by the devil!)

3. Discouragement is futile & fruitless: “What are you doing here?” (1 Kgs. 19:9)