Why Do You Run? What Is God Wanting to Teach You in Your Brokenness?
Sermon Notes
I believe this chapter is about brokenness – brokenness because of expectations that did not materialize. Life events may not happen the way we might wish and our lives are plunged into despair and depression. Sooner or later, every Christian experiences these shattered dreams – expectations that were dashed on the rocks. If it hasn’t happened yet, believe me – it will. That’s the scene in 1 Kings 19. I believe that when the expectations Elijah had following Mt. Carmel never materialized, his attentions were driven inward where he questioned the purpose of his life and even questioned God’s purposes for him. He wanted to die. But God was with him every step of his journey. He always is, and He restores him. He has not forgotten His plan for him – He never does for us either. This is the story of 1 Kings 19, and it’s our story, too, when our lives are crushed by shattered expectations.
1. Elijah runs from Jezebel (v. 1-3)
• She threatens to kill him – she was a powerful woman
• He is broken and runs – for feeling like a failure
• Bold faith is not a steel defense against brokenness
2. God provides for him all the way to Horeb (v. 4-8; 300 miles)
• The angel comes to him twice
• God is already with you on your journey to brokenness
• He journeys to Horeb – 40 days with God. Note – He runs towards the mountain of God. Where do you run when life is broken?
3. Elijah and the mountain of God (v. 9-14)
• He laments his brokenness in his cave (two times)
• God comes to him – He never lets us alone
- In the powerful, rock-busting wind? No.
- In the earthquake? No.
- In the fire? No.
- In the gentle blowing (quietness)? Yes.
“Our spiritual journey must lead through the desert or else our healing will be the product of our own will and wisdom. It is in the silence in the desert that we hear our dependence upon noise. It is in the poverty of the desert that we see clearly our attachments to the trinkets and baubles we cling to for security and pleasure. The desert shatters the soul’s arrogance and leaves body and soul crying out in thirst and hunger. In the desert we trust God or die” (Dan Allender).
Vindicate me, O God, and plead my case against an ungodly nation;
O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man!
For You are the God of my strength; why have You rejected me?
Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
O send out Your light and Your truth, let them lead me;
Let them bring me to Your holy hill
And to Your dwelling places.
Then I will go to the altar of God,
To God my exceeding joy (Psalm 43.1-4).
4. God tells him to go – there is still work to do (v. 15-18)
• Anoint Hazael king of Aram
• Anoint Jehu king of Israel
• Anoint Elisha in your place – make disciples
• Despite what you feel, God’s plan continues and He has a place for you in it. Trust Him and watch Him work.
5. Elijah goes and does his work (v. 19-21)
Some Thoughts:
When life is hard, God is there.
When life is hard, run to the mountain of God – don’t run the opposite way.
When life is hard, God is there – even there before you arrive.
When life is hard, learn to listen for God. He is there in the pain.
When life is hard, God still has a plan for you.
When life is hard, God still wants you back in the game. He is not finished with you