Sometimes circumstances can so overwhelm us that it feels as if God is silent and has forgotten us. But God never lets us down. Our limited view of God and how He is working can leave us disappointed. So often, we are so starving for the spectacular from God, that we miss the still small voice of God’s Word reminding us of His faithful work in our darkest hours. ~ Pastor Dave
Open: Have you ever been in a conversation where you heard something incorrectly and it led you to a wrong conclusion? Share your story. How did the situation resolve?
Read: 1 Kings 18-19; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; 2:6-16; 1 Peter 5:7
Discuss:
1. Describe the context of 1 Kings 18-19. How did God use Elijah to bring victory over the prophets of the false god, Baal? There are multiple miracles in 1 Kings 18. Can you list them? Which one stands out to you the most? Why? What have been some of the greatest victories in your spiritual journey?
2. There is a sudden turn of emotions between 1 Kings 18 and 1 Kings 19. What changed for Elijah? What do you make of Elijah’s reactions? How have you seen your greatest victories followed by great difficulties? How have you reacted? What impact did these moments have on your view of God?
3. God doesn’t leave Elijah in the pit of self-pity. He comes to Elijah with tender grace. How does God approach Elijah holistically (physically, emotionally and spiritually)? Can you remember a time in your past when God ministered to you in this same way? Describe the circumstances.
4. God didn’t just come to Elijah in the spectacular. He came to him with a whisper. Why do you think God spoke to Elijah with a whisper? Why does it seem easier to push God away than it does to draw close to Him in difficult seasons? How does God “whisper” to us today? What role does God’s Word play in our unexpected moments? What are the areas of your life where God is attempting to get your attention and draw you closer?
5. Elijah’s disappointment and despair contributed to his inability to correct his wrong assumptions. Why do you think we get stuck in poor reasoning and wrong thinking? How can we correct wrong assumptions? God restored Elijah back to his Kingdom assignment. How is God constantly bringing us back to our Kingdom assignment? What are the things that God is calling you to right now?
Pray: Pray for the clarity to see God’s wisdom in your current season. Ask God to reveal the lies that are hindering you from following Him faithfully and spend some time seeking God’s voice (through God’s Word) in your life.
Memorize/Meditate: You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah Psalm 32:7
