Have you ever felt like giving up? This weekend Pastor Steve Andres wrapped up our series, HEART & SOUL, with a message about God’s love for us in our discouragement.
1 Kings 19:4-5
Elijah came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep.
If you serve God long enough, you will have seasons where your exclamation points turn to question marks. Elijah’s story teaches us a few important truths to remember when we are depressed or discouraged.
1) Everyone gets weary and discouraged.
Discouragement is isolating. But it’s important to remember that everyone experiences seasons like this.
2) God loves us in our discouragement.
We should be REAL about what we are feeling, but we should also stay RIGHT. Wrestle against a cynical or negative outlook.
Isaiah 42:3
A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.
God’s response to Elijah's discouragement reflects a rich understanding of who we are as humans. God sends help to Elijah in the form of touch, rest, food, words and prayer.
3) Discouragement is an opportunity for growth.
Seasons of discouragement don’t mean there is something wrong with you, they mean there is something more for you. Find the hollowed out rock where God spoke to others and start seeking God there.
The Bible says that there is a deep rest for the people of God (Hebrews 4:9-11), because Jesus has finished the work of redemption and has given us hope greater than our disappointments!
