When The Going Gets Rough

Theme:

Text: 1 Kings 19:1-18

Introduction

Tell the story of Elijah on Mt Carmel

This story begins before chapter 19. Actually it begins in chapter 18. This is a very popular story because it shows the power and assurance of God in a awesome way.

The challenge was laid. Elijah had had enough. The duel had been set. The location would be Mt Carmel. Elijah gave the instructions. Bring all the prophets of Baal. Choose your sacrifice and make your altar.

Now pray to your god. After a while he began to mock them. Then they began to cut themselves.

Let me just stop here. God will never ask you to do something that will hurt you. You don’t have to hurt yourself for the Lord.

Now it was Elijah’s turn. Rebuild the altar. You don’t need a secret formula

Yet after all this we pick up at chapter 19.

I. The devil is relentless at his attack on you.

Notice the reaction of Jezebel. What you think she should have done and what she did was two different things. You would think that she would have said, “Wow! Look what the Lord Jehovah has done. Wow! There is no God like Jehovah”

Yet what she did was say kill him.

The devil is always looking for a way to attack you. Just because you have a great victory doesn’t mean the devil says, “Oh, ok we better leave him alone”.

Paul said in his last words, “I have fought a good fight”. He also tells us to put on the armor of God and make a stand against the enemy.

Eph 6:12-13 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (13) Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

II. You must never become too comfortable

We must be careful when we think we have gotten on the mountain and we get comfortable. The mountain top is a great place to be but it doesn’t last long.

Peter loved the mountain top. There was Jesus, Moses and Elijah. He said, “Let’s build some tents stay here for a while”. But let me tell you, real ministry happens in the valley. When you get your hands dirty. When you are willing to get your feelings hurt. When you get down with the people.

God gives us the mountain top experiences so that we can get ready for the valley.

III. Sometimes it is after our greatest victory that the devil comes

This is one the greatest miracles of Elijah’s ministry. I say it is one of the greatest miracles of the Bible. Wow!

IV. Many times it is when we are tired and weary that the devil attacks

What do we do when we feel like this

I. Feed on the Lord and His word

God knows what you need when you need it. Trust Him to give you the right food when you need it. The right things in your life.

II. Listen to His voice

Too many times we are listening for God’s voice in the middle of the chaos. Yet I believe that God wants to speak to us in a still small voice.

Why does God have to work a miracle to get your attention?

Why does God have to do something great for you to see Him?

It is when God speaks to our spirits and we hear the voice of God is when we have comfort.