Hope Series

Elijah: From Despair to Renewal

Renewal and God's Provision

Sunday August 11, 2024 - Pastor Wungreiso Valui

1 Kings 19:4

1 Kings 19:4

But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, "It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!

1 Kings 19:11-12 (NKJV)

"Then He said, "Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord." And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces 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; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice."

Life is a story of highs and lows, victories and defeats, joys and sorrows. In the midst of our struggles, it's easy to lose sight of the hope that anchors our souls (Hebrews 6:19).

Highs and Lows of Elijah
Let's look at Elijah's highs and lows.

Elijah's Despair (1 Kings 19:1-4)

4 he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, "It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!"

God's Provision (1 Kings 19:5-8)

5 ...As he lay and slept under a broom tree, suddenly an [b]angel touched him, and said to him, "Arise and eat."

Encounter with God (1 Kings 19:9-13)

Elijah arrives at Horeb and spends the night in a cave. The Lord asks him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"

New Directions Given to Elijah (1 Kings 19:15-18, NKJV):

• 1. Anoint Hazael as King over Syria:1 Kings 19:15 (NKJV): "Then the Lord said to him: 'Go, return on your way to the Wilderness of Damascus; and when you arrive, anoint Hazael as king over Syria."
• 2. Anoint Jehu as King over Israel: 1 Kings 19:16a (NKJV): "Also you shall anoint Jehu the son of Nimshi as king over Israel."
• 3. Anoint Elisha as Prophet in His Place:1 Kings 19:16b (NKJV): "And Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel Meholah you shall anoint as prophet in your place."
• 4. Assurance of Judgment on the Wicked: 1 Kings 19:17 (NKJV): "It shall be that whoever escapes the sword of Hazael, Jehu will kill; and whoever escapes the sword of Jehu, Elisha will kill."

Elijah's journey from despair to renewal shows us that no matter how low we feel, God is always with us, ready to provide for our needs and guide us to a place of renewal.

Reflection Question:

In what ways have you experienced both the highs and lows in your spiritual journey, and how has God's presence and provision been evident to you during those times?