Gathering

1. Where did you go on an epic day’s drive after saying to yourself, “I’ve had enough, I’ve gotta get out of Dodge!”? At day’s end, you were tired, but at least no longer in “Dodge.”

Backstory

Elijah is clearly “God’s guy” in this stretch of the Bible. He’s just been on quite a run, cleaning up human-caused messes from the likes of Ahab and his scheming wife, Jezebel, and the false prophets they’d put in place. He showed them the error of their ways, comparing their empty fake god Baal to the one true God of Israel. He wiped out those prophets and rebuilt the temple. Now Jezebel wants him dead, and he’s had enough, so he runs… and runs! Notice how God provides for his physical needs—sleep and food–before going deeper spiritually.

 

God’s Story

Have someone read aloud 1 Kings 19:1-18, emphasizing the range of emotions present — fear, exhaustion, despair … and God’s powerful whisper.

Finding My Story in God’s Story

2. When you’ve been through the wringer like Elijah, what is your go-to move?

  1. A solo hike or fishing trip in the sticks.
  2. Turn to sports on TV, grab my go-to comfort food, and chill.
  3. I’ve been on a roll, so why stop now? Keep moving!
  4. Sleep, eat, then sleep some more.
  5. Hang with family or good buddies — that always revives me.
  6. Other __________.

 

3. We all have some “cave” where we go when feeling alone or hurt. What does that inner voice say to get you out and lift you up when feeling down?

  1. No voice — I just don’t like being in a dark place for long.
  2. What my old man used to say: “Buck up, son, and get back in the saddle.”
  3. I block out all the noise and listen to my heart.
  4. I’ll work my way out of this, like always.
  5. Other __________.

4. Twice God asks, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (vs. 9, 13). How God answers him in his pity party may sound familiar to those who get depressed after a peak religious experience. How do you typically try to justify your low mood, to stay where you are?

  1. It’s my pity party, and I’ll cry if I want to.
  2. I “catastrophize” and make things worse than they are.
  3. My life is a roller coaster—after high highs, come the low lows.
  4. I live life at an unsustainable pace, and I need to slow down.
  5. Other ___________.

 

5. After causing all kinds of loud but empty chaos, God comes to Elijah with a “gentle whisper.” What kind of voice gets your attention more than others?

  1. The louder the better — I thrive on the action flick soundtrack.
  2. Yeah, a whisper will do; that means I’ve shut up and can pay attention.
  3. A measured, steady voice does the trick, as I’m an even-keeled guy.
  4. A non-threatening but forceful nudge gets through my stubbornness.
  5. Sincere pleading never fails to touch my heart.
  6. Other __________.

6. If you were Elijah, how would God’s whispered instructions pull you out of your funk and back into the fray?

  1. “You’re my main man, don’t let me down.”
  2. “The job isn’t done and there’s only one guy who can do it.”
  3. “A lot of people are depending on you to give them a future.”
  4. “You most certainly are NOT the only one left!”
  5. Other __________.

Our Story

7. You’re at the end of your rope. Who do you lean on to hand you a fresh length?

  1. My closest family — spouse, siblings, sometimes a child.
  2. A long-trusted friend with a wise mind and strong whisper.
  3. My church family, as it takes a village to raise me up.
  4. I never know — God seems to provide the person(s) I need.
  5. Other __________.

 

8. How does this group of guys help hold you up, replenish your faith, and finish your race?

9. What part of your life—mind, body, or soul—could really use prayer right now?

10. Close your group time by praying for the person on your left in ways that respond to the need they just expressed.