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In I Kings Chapters 18,19 we have been reading about Elijah’s ‘success’ and victory – and the very natural reaction – which is the experience of many of us – if we wish to admit it. It is always wise to admit to reality.

1 – GOD MAKES ME REST MY BODY

“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul!” Psalm 23verses 2,3

Look at what happens – 1Kings 19 verses 5 to 7 – Elijah is on the receiving end of food and rest and relaxation. Take a nap – have a snooze.

2 – GOD ENCOURAGES ME to release my frustrations - 1Kings 19 verses 8,9. Elijah unloads what is on his mind and in his heart – fear – anger – resentment – loneliness – low self-esteem. God is not shocked when we tell Him things. God will listen to you until you run out of words. If it is OK for Elijah – then it looks as if it is OK for you and me.

1Peter 5 verse 7 - Cast all your cares on HIM for HE cares for you.

3 – GOD TELLS ME to remember and refocus my thoughts on HIM. Remember who HE is – get your eyes off the problems and troubles – and on to Jesus.

1Kings 19 verses 11to 13 – “The Lord said to Elijah, “Go, stand in front of me on the mountain, and I will pass by you’.

Then a very strong wind blew past. . . But the Lord was not in the wind. After that, there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. Then there was a wildfire, but the Lord was not in the fire. But then, there was a quiet, gentle sound. When Elijah heard it, he covered his face with his coat and went out and stood at the entrance to the cave. And voice said "Elijah! Why are you still here?”

Elijah has been isolated for a number of years – lonely – no friends or fellowship. We might call it burnout!

He had been hearing from God – 17 verse 1 - but not here – 18 verse 1 –

18 verse 15 - “Each victory will help you another to win”. But God saw him . By God’s Grace this Chapter is placed here. Elijah is restored – God becomes both GOD and PASTOR to Elijah – an angel is sent – to become his companion. Have you ever met a melancholy angel? NO. No – they are encouragers from GOD.

Elijah has been with the ravens – with a widow – with Obadiah – in a battle – and now God gives Elijah – rest – nourishment – companionship.

God is demonstrating HIS power. “I am in control!” Elijah – were you trying to play GOD? That is My part.

Lamentations 3:19 to 24 - “Just thinking of my troubles and my wandering fills me with sadness and bitterness. It’s all I ever think about, and I am depressed. But then I remember something that fills me with hope: The Lord’s STEADFAST LOVE never ends! His UNFAILING MERCY keeps me from being wiped out. Because of his GREAT FAITHFULNESS , each new day he is ALWAYS KIND to me. So deep in my heard I say ‘I say to myself, “The Lord is all I need. He is my REAL HOPE !”

REMEMBER GOD'S ‘SUGAR’ – Five things - Some people turn to SUGAR when they are down – these words spell out SUGAR - Steadfast Love - Unfailing mercy - Great Faithfulness - Always Kind - and Real Hope .

Verse 9 – the word of the Lord came again to Elijah.

Verse 15 – Go back and do your duty – God brought him through – Jesus Christ has brought many of us back, from and out of various circumstances.

1Kings 19 verses 15 to16 – “Go back the way you came . . . to the desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael - and Jehu - Elisha.”

Elijah – you are going to appoint some new leaders. Elijah has a brand-new assignment.

God was not finished with Elijah . God is not finished with you and me.

“O Loving Gracious Faithful God – thank You for these insights into the varieties of experiences which confront us as we serve. Thank You for the victories and the valleys which inevitably follow. Thank you for being there when we really need You – really need You. We always need You Father, but You understand what we mean by these words – as we pray in Jesus’ Name.” Amen.

"The Way" from Kevin Pauley

The First Sin