When God Answers Series

“When God Answers”

1 Kings 19.1-18

Last time together we looked at Elijah and the great victory that was given to him.

Would it be great to live in the victory of the moment forever?

What frequently follows a victory is an attack from our enemy.

It should not surprise us nor should we be discouraged by it, yet here is Elijah.

We find Elijah hearing the words of threatening and running now for his life, discouraged.

Oh how true this is for most Christians.

A moment of victory and weeks of torment.

Just like Elijah, we often want to do the same; just quit and give into the attacks.

I hate to admit it but many make bad choices in life during the lowest times.

I cannot stay in our text because we need to see this through in order to see how and when God answers Elijah’s prayer.

I will not be a complete critic of Elijah because I was not there and I did not do what he did; but I would like to make some observations and lessons that I learned from this servant of God.

I. Lessons Learned From Elijah

1. I believe it was a mistake to run after such a victory. Vs. 3

2. I believe it was a mistake to leave his support team and venture on his own. Vs 3

3. I have learned that God does not answer a prayer that is not in His divine will. Vs. 4

4. Like Elisha, I have learned that rest can bring a new day and a new perspective in our lives. Vss. 5-7

5. Refreshed brings new strength and the ability to go forward. Vs. 8

In all this text I have been unable to find where God answered Elijah’s prayer request; not even with a NO!

II. When God Answers

1 Kings 19:9-18

1. God answered by providing for Elijah’s needs. Vss. 5-7

2. God answered by directing Elijah away from the pity tree and brought him to “Horeb the mount of God.” Vs. 8

3. God answered by asking a question. Vs. 9

“What doest thou here, Elijah?”

I know that it is good to see how Elijah responded to this question, but God already knew why he was there.

Vs. 10 “And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.”

Forgive me for asking a dumb question, but did not Elijah ask God to kill him and now he is complaining to God that everyone wants to kill him?

There is a danger when we us infinity statements like; everyone, always, every time, no one….

4. God answered by directing Elijah.

Vs. 11-12 “And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks 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: 12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.”

III. Have You Learned Yet?

Vs.13-14 “And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah? 14 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.”

God Asked the same question: “What doest thou here, Elijah?”

“What are ya doing here?”

IV. Another Lesson From God

Vs. 15-18

1. God has still not answered Elijah’s concerns; God just said go and do what I have told you to do.

2. Vs. 18 “Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.”

God reminds Elijah that he is not alone.

What a lesson for us today; you think that we are all alone?

You think that God is not in charge?

You think that God is not looking over us?

I have an announcement…

God knows where we are

God knows who we are

God knows the troubles we carry

God know the troubles that are thrown at us