READ
1 Kings 19:1-18
CONSIDER
When Elijah faces a death threat from the king’s wife, he runs for his life and leaves the country while firing his sidekick. Just read over 1 Kings 19:5-8 and you can see that he is overwhelmed; physically, emotionally and spiritually. Yet what does God do? He reaches out to him and provides for him physically, ushers him into his presence and explains the plan.
As we step into this new ministry year as an English Ministry (EM), we see how important it is to not only plan but begin by entering into God’s presence. We get to do that as an EM over the next two weeks immediately after the service at 11am in the Community Room. Before we dive into figuring out how to live out God’s call for us as a church this year, let us begin by praying together.
Pastor Tim Sreedharan
PRAY
Psalm 34:1-3, 8
I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.
I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.
Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
DIVING DEEPER
When in life have you felt at the end of your rope?
Looking back at ch18, what do you think it was like for Elijah to go from elation to such great fearfulness?
Read 19:5-9. How has God practically provided for you in a time of need?
Read 19:11-13.
Why do you think it was important for Elijah to experience God’s presence before knowing God’s plan? How does his presence shape and transform us?
As Dr. Peter Chu shared last week, how important is it for us to remember “that God may not take us out but will be with us in the Valley of the Shadow of death?”
Read 19:15-18.
What sticks out to you about the plan God provides for Elijah?
How important is it for us to realize that all plans involve Christian community?