The Small Still Voice
1 Kings 19:1-18
1. Even great men of faith have moments of doubt and fear
A. Elijah had seen God do great things
- Stood before Ahab and predicted drought 17:1
- Fed by Ravens and drank from the stream 17:2-6
- Cared for by the widow of Zarephath 17:7-16
- Raised the womans son back to life 17:17-24
- Showdown with the prophets of Baal 18:1-40
- The rain comes again 18:41-46
B. A good man’s troubles are many 19:1-5
- Jezebel was out to kill Elijah - boss is out to get me, creditors are closing in, etc....
- Elijah feared for his life - I’m going to lose everything
- Elijah was alone - Nobody understands, I wish I had someone to talk to
- Elijah wanted to die - I don’t think I can go on, The world would be better off....
- Elijah laid down and slept - I don’t feel like getting up to face the day
II. “A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all” Psalm 34:19
A. God used His angel to get Elijah’s attention 19:5b
- The angel touched Elijah - God’s touch get’s our attention
- The angel spoke to Elijah - God’s voice directs our focus
- God knew Elijah’s needs - God knows the journey that lies ahead
- Do you recognize the angels that God send your way? - friends, family, pastor
B. The journey was long, but God gave Elijah the endurance
- Elijah walked 40 days and nights 19:8
- God equips us for our journeys
- Elijah was being stretched - give the bow and arrow illustration
- God’s presence was the final destination of this journey - just like life
III. God knew Elijah’s heart, but he made him speak anyway
A. God knows everything about you, but he wants to hear it out of your mouth
- Elijah told God what was bothering him
B. God reveals Himself to Elijah - But God is not where Elijah thinks he will find him
- The winds came, but God was not there
- The earthquake came, but God was not in the earthquake either
- The fire came, but God was not in the fire
- Then came the quiet, gentle sound - God was near
- God is the peace in the middle of the storm
- The tranquility in turmoil
- The peace in suffering
- The comfort in sickness
C. God questions Elijah again - Elijah restates his case again
- God did not give an answer the first time - He just revealed Himself
- Elijah was now ready to hear God’s voice
- God reaffirms Elijah - 7000 others
- God gives Elijah’s enemies over - Psalm 34:15
- Elijah is given a new challenge and is ready to face it
