Handling DiscouragementHandling Discouragement

1 Kings 19:1-181 Kings 19:1-18

Introduction Introduction

• Background–Jezebel angry

–Elijah on the run

• Opening for discouragement–A universal problem

–Effective tool of Satan

THE DEVIL’S TOOL SALETHE DEVIL’S TOOL SALE

• There's an old fable that says the Devil once held a sale and offered all the tools of his trade to anyone who would pay their price. They were spread out on the table and each one labeled. Hatred, malice, envy, despair, sickness, sensuality -- all the weapons that everyone knows so well. But off to one side lay a harmless looking wood-shaped instrument marked “discouragement.”

THE DEVIL’S TOOL SALETHE DEVIL’S TOOL SALE

• It was old and worn looking but it was priced far above all the rest. When asked the reason why, the Devil replied, “Because I can use this one so much more easily than the others. No one knows that it belongs to me, so with it I can open doors that are tightly bolted against the others. Once I get inside I can use any tool that suits me best.”

(From Bible Illustrator)

Employment Employment

• Profession, business, job, etc.–Problems with coworkers

–Loss of employment

Family ProblemsFamily Problems

• Not the dream of a lifetime (Proverbs 31:10)

• Disappointment with children (Psalm 127:3-5)

• Illness and death of a loved one

Teaching OthersTeaching Others

• Negative factors

–Closed and dull minds ( Matthew 13:15; Hebrews 5:11-14)

–Opposition (John 11:47-50; 19:12)

–Evil (Romans 1:18-32; 2:1)

–Drop in interest (John 6:66-68)

Spiritual ConcernsSpiritual Concerns

• Family member

• Church (2 Corinthians 11:28)

• Fall away (Hebrews 3:12)

• Immorality (Galatians 5:19-21; 6:1)

SummarySummary

• Universal problem–Preachers/elders as well as others

–Satan seeks influential people (Luke 22:31, 32)

–Discouragement not a sin

–May lead to sin (1 Kings 19:9)

False SolutionFalse Solution

• Run away–Elijah tried (1 Kings 19:1-7)

–Felt alone

–Can’t run from God (omniscient) (Psalm 139:7-12)

–Can’t run from self (conscience)

False SolutionFalse Solution

• Cynicism–“Nobody cares”

–Make excuses for ourselves

–Not a solution (Romans 8:37; Philippians 4:13)

Proper SolutionProper Solution

• Think it through–Trust God (Psalm 73:3; Matthew 6:33)

–Tested for our good (1 Peter 1:6, 7; 4:12, 13)

–Rejoice (James 1:2, 3, 12)

Proper SolutionProper Solution

• Realize God’s nearness –At all times (1 Kings 19:11-14)

–With the apostles (Matthew 28:20)

–Promise to us (Philippians 4:7)

–With Paul (2 Timothy 4:16)–“Let the Lord take the night shift”

(George McMasters)

Proper SolutionProper Solution

• Get to work –No time for pity (1 Kings 19:17)

–Work to do (1 Corinthians 15:58)

–Put on the armor (Ephesians 6:10-18)

–The day is at hand (Romans 13:11-14)

Cure for DiscouragementCure for Discouragement

• Remember other faithful ones –God had “seven thousand” like Elijah

–Spend time with other Christians

We Need God’s HelpWe Need God’s Help

• Satan will try to discourage us

• “Those who live in the sunshine should trust God, those who live in the shadows must!”

• Are you trusting in God?