When The Strong Feel Weak: God’s Response To Discouraged Servants Series

WHEN THE STRONG FEEL WEAK: GOD’S RESPONSE TO DISCOURAGED SERVANTS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Kings 19:1-21

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 40:29-31; 2 Corinthians 4:7-9; Psalm 34:18; Hebrews 4:15-16; Matthew 11:28-30

INTRODUCTION:

After the fiery confrontation at Mount Carmel and the dramatic fall of the prophets of Baal, we might expect Elijah to continue boldly. But chapter 19 takes an unexpected turn. The same Elijah who called down fire is now running from Jezebel, weary, afraid, and asking God to take his life. This chapter reminds us that even the strongest men and women of God are still human and can feel discouraged, overwhelmed, and broken.

Yet, God’s response to Elijah’s breakdown is full of compassion. Instead of rebuke, God restores, feeds, speaks, and reassigns him. This chapter offers rich lessons about how God deals with discouraged leaders and how we should learn to find God not just in dramatic moments, but also in the stillness.

1. EVEN GOD’S MIGHTIEST SERVANTS FACE MOMENTS OF WEAKNESS

Elijah ran for his life after Jezebel threatened him, even after such a mighty victory.

a) “He arose and ran for his life… and went a day’s journey into the wilderness.” (1 Kings 19:3-4)

Spiritual victories do not exempt us from emotional exhaustion.

b) Discouragement often comes after great exploits when our guard is down

Elijah expected national revival but was met with more resistance.

c) The enemy often attacks right after major breakthroughs

Jezebel’s threat was strategic and meant to cripple Elijah’s boldness.

d) Burnout is real—even among the anointed

Elijah was physically, emotionally, and spiritually drained.

Biblical Example: Moses also cried out in frustration under the weight of leadership (Numbers 11:14-15).

2. GOD CARES FOR OUR PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING

Instead of rebuking Elijah, God fed him and allowed him to rest.

a) “Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you.” (1 Kings 19:7)

Sometimes what we need first is rest and nourishment—not another assignment.

b) God understands our frailty and meets us with mercy

He ministers to the whole man—body, soul, and spirit.

c) Rest and refreshment are essential for long-term effectiveness

Elijah slept, ate, and recovered strength before continuing.

d) God does not discard His servants when they feel overwhelmed

He restores them gently, step by step.

Biblical Example: After His resurrection, Jesus made breakfast for His weary disciples (John 21:9-13).

3. GOD SPEAKS IN UNEXPECTED WAYS TO REVEAL HIMSELF

Elijah encountered a strong wind, an earthquake, and fire—but God was in none of them.

a) “After the fire, a still small voice.” (1 Kings 19:12)

God’s voice is not always loud or dramatic—it can be gentle and quiet.

b) Discouraged hearts often need calm, not chaos

The still small voice brings peace, not panic.

c) We must learn to listen beyond the noise to discern God’s true voice

Not every shaking is from God—discernment is key.

d) God often reveals Himself most clearly in moments of solitude and stillness

Elijah had to be quiet to hear what God was really saying.

Biblical Example: God called Samuel in the stillness of the night, not through thunder (1 Samuel 3:3-10).

4. GOD REASSIGNS AND REFOCUSES, NOT REJECTS

Rather than end Elijah’s ministry, God gave him new instructions.

a) “Go, return on your way… anoint Hazael… Jehu… and Elisha…” (1 Kings 19:15-16)

God was not done with Elijah—He simply redirected him.

b) Discouragement is not a disqualification

God gave Elijah clarity and a new mandate.

c) Sometimes, weariness means it’s time to delegate and raise others

Elisha was to be trained and empowered for succession.

d) God reminds us that His plan is bigger than our perception

There were still 7,000 faithful ones Elijah didn’t know about.

Biblical Example: Paul encouraged Timothy to entrust faithful men who could also teach others (2 Timothy 2:2).

5. NO ONE IS TRULY ALONE IN GOD’S WORK

Elijah believed he was the only faithful one left, but God corrected that notion.

a) “I have reserved seven thousand… who have not bowed to Baal.” (1 Kings 19:18)

Isolation can distort our perception of reality.

b) God always preserves a remnant, even in the darkest times

We are never as alone as we think.

c) Encouragement often comes from realising we are part of something bigger

Elijah was not God’s only vessel—He had many more.

d) The enemy uses loneliness to weaken leaders, but God reveals community

Elijah needed to know the fight was not his alone.

Biblical Example: Paul, though often imprisoned, was strengthened by reports of other faithful believers (Philippians 1:3-5).

CONCLUSION:

1 Kings 19 reminds us that even spiritual giants can feel overwhelmed. Elijah’s moment of fear and frustration did not end his ministry—it became a turning point. God does not abandon His servants when they feel weak; instead, He feeds, speaks, reassures, and sends them again.