DATE: 07/05/2020
TITLE "overcoming the season of droughts"
TEXT: 1 Kings 19:1-18
Denomination: Presbyterian.
Intro.
The Covid-19 challenged every aspect of human life. It has brought the season of drought that reminds humanity that Life is full of ups and downs irrespective of any social status. People inevitably are faced with moments in life that seriously challenge them. The dark moments can leave one feel frustrated, scared, and broken just like Elijah was. However, with God, the biggest setbacks can become our biggest comebacks. With God, you can move from being a victim to being a victor. With God, you can navigate the deepest and darkest valleys of life and walk high on the mountain.
As a Christian, it’s important to not let your obstacles in life tear you away from your faith. Instead, these are the moments where you need faith the most. If you are stuck in a pit of despair, don’t let yourself give up. Reach out and call God’s name. He is there right beside you.(Jeremiah 33:3).
Here are some key strategies one can use to help overcome the obstacles with God’s help.
I. REPLACE FEAR WITH GOD'S LOVE.
Obstacles that we face in life are riddled with anxiety, fear, worry, anger, stress, and every negative emotion that you can think of. These feelings can keep us paralyzed from dealing with the obstacles correctly just like Elijah was, “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life" (1 Kings 19 :4c). The key to overcoming your challenge is through replacing the negative thoughts with God’s love. You can focus and realign your thinking through prayer, daily devotions and meditation. Understanding God’s love will help you overcome the intrusive thoughts you have. God loves and cares for you, may you stop contemplating suicidal move.(John 3:16).
II. FOCUS ON GOD'S POWER
No matter how big your problem may feel, or how impossible it may seem for it to get better, know that nothing is too difficult for God to handle. Jeremiah 32:27 states “I am the Lord, the God of all mainkind. Is anything too hard for me?” When faced with an enormous obstacle, don’t focus on how big the problem is. Focus on how strong God’s power is. He is much more powerful than any challenge you will ever face! This helps to shift your perspective and gain the confidence needed to know you can handle it with God’s help. God will help you bring down that barrier in front of you. He will provide a means to ferry you to the other side of your dangerous situation. He asked Abraham, is there anything too hard for me? He provided Elijah with food miraculously. Allow me to challenge you this morning, is there anything too hard for God? May you rely on God's power today and witness God's miraculous intervention in Jesus Christ name.
III. TRUST IN GOD'S PLAN
Jeremiah 29:11, it's clearly stated that God has good plans for his children. It can be frustrating to give up control of your life to the devil thinking that your future is totally ruined. However, to be a follower of Christ, you must prove to the world that Jesus overcame the challenges so you too it will be done for you. We have to fully believe that God is in control and that He has a great plan for our life. God’s plan may seem confusing, unconventional, or mysterious at times, and especially when you are faced with difficulty and uncertainty. However you can always count on God to support you to overcome the season of droughts. He knows about every detail of you, and has your best interest at heart. As God reveals His plan to you these days, you will be able to better understand how to overcome the obstacles in your way, or God’s reasons for allowing the season of droughts. Be willing to submit wholly to God like Elijah did and you will never live to regret in your life.
Conc.
The season of droughts is here to teach people to seek to learn all of the valuable lessons that God wants to teach us as our walls of challenges gradually break down. It gives confident that at the end of our journey we’ll experience a season of joy. Notice the hopeful signs that God gives you along the way, and when you do, praise God for who he is and what he’s doing for you. It’s only a matter of time before God gives you a great victory over your season of droughts!
Have great time in Jesus Christ name,
Rev. Mark Orwa.
