Introduction

Welcome, dear brothers and sisters, to this blessed gathering where we are knit together by our love for the Lord and His Word. We are here to share in the richness of His teachings, to draw strength from His promises, and to find comfort in His eternal love. We are not merely spectators but active participants in the grand narrative of God's redemptive plan. Today, we will be turning our hearts and minds towards a particular passage in 1 Kings 19:1-8.

Before we immerse ourselves in this passage, let us remember these words from the revered preacher Charles Spurgeon: "Nobody ever outgrows Scripture; the book widens and deepens with our years." Indeed, the Word of God is a wellspring of wisdom, a beacon of truth, and a source of strength that never runs dry.

Summoning Strength from Scripture

In the passage we've just read, we see Elijah, a man of God, in a state of despair and exhaustion. He had just witnessed the power of God in a mighty way, but now he finds himself running for his life, feeling alone and overwhelmed. He sits under a juniper tree, wishing for his life to end. But God, in His infinite mercy, does not abandon Elijah in his moment of weakness. Instead, He sends an angel to provide sustenance and encouragement.

This is a vivid illustration of how God's Word can be our source of strength in times of trouble. Just as the angel brought food and water to Elijah, the Scriptures bring spiritual nourishment to our souls. They remind us of God's promises, His faithfulness, and His unfailing love. They give us hope when we are in despair, courage when we are afraid, and peace when we are troubled.

Firstly, let's consider how the Scriptures provide us with spiritual nourishment. In the same way that our bodies need food and water to survive, our spirits need the nourishment that comes from God's Word. The psalmist declares, "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" (Psalm 119:103). The words of God are not just words on a page. They are life-giving and soul-sustaining. They feed our faith, fuel our hope, and fill us with love.

Secondly, the Scriptures remind us of God's promises. When we are faced with challenges and difficulties, it's easy to forget that God has promised never to leave us or forsake us. But when we turn to the Scriptures, we are reminded of these promises. We read of God's faithfulness to His people throughout history, and we are reassured that He will be faithful to us as well. His promises are not empty words but guarantees that we can rely on.

Thirdly, the Scriptures reveal to us the depth of God's love. In a world where love is often conditional and fleeting, it's comforting to know that God's love for us is constant and unchanging. The Scriptures tell us that nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:39). This love is not based on our performance or our worthiness, but on God's character and His grace.

Lastly, the Scriptures equip us for every good work. The apostle Paul tells us that "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Scriptures not only nourish our souls and remind us of God's promises and love, but they also prepare us to live a life that is pleasing to God.

Sustaining Strength for the Sojourn

As we look at the life of Elijah, we see a man who was no stranger to hardship ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO