"Struggles of the Prophet of Fire" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

The story of Elijah is encouraging because the Bible says that he was a man just like us (James 5:17). He displayed great strength, but the Bible is also transparent about his weaknesses. He felt isolated. He was burned out. He was struggling with his mental health. In the end, God delivered Elijah from his own weakness and unbelief. Elijah’s impact continued and he invested in the next generation. Four observations from Elijah’s life can help us experience the same breakthrough:

  1. Rest must be a priority.

  2. We need to connect, and reconnect, with God.

  3. Return to what God called you to do

  4. Recognize your key relationships.

Main Passages

4 But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers. 5 And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.” 
- 1 Kings 19:4-5

11 And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. 13 And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
- 1 Kings 19:11-13

14 He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” 15 And the Lord said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. 16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place.
- 1 Kings 19:14-16

Discussion Questions

  1. What stood out to you from the Main Thought and Passages above, or from last week’s Worship Service?

  2. Who or what do you turn to for help and relief when you’re struggling? Why?

  3. Of the four things we learn from Elijah’s life, which one is most applicable to you right now?

Family Discussion

  1. Sometimes we are asked to do things we don’t want to, like helping you younger brother/sister clean up their toys. Was there ever a time you were helping family or friends to do something good for them but you didn’t get rewarded like you thought you would?