Indiana Wesleyan University How God Cares for His Servants Discussion
Getting StartedElijah Escapes from JezebelAnd Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, also how he had executed all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.” And when he saw that, he arose and ran for his life, and went to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!”Then as he lay and slept under a broom tree, suddenly an angel touched him, and said to him, “Arise and eat.” Then he looked, and there by his head was a cake baked on coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank, and lay down again. And the angel of the Lord came back the second time, and touched him, and said, “Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you.” So he arose, and ate and drank; and he went in the strength of that food 40 days and 40 nights as far as Horeb, the mountain of God.And there he went into a cave, and spent the night in that place; and behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”So he said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.”God’s Revelation to ElijahThen He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces 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; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.1 Kings 19:1–12ResourcesBibleVideo: Amy Grant – Be Still My Soul w/Fields of Plenty: Background InformationElijah was an incredible man of faith. Just prior to the events of this passage, God used him to perform a mighty miracle, destroying the prophets of Baal in an awesome display of His power. But even people of great faith can get tired and overwhelmed. When Elijah heard that Jezebel wanted him dead, he ran for his life. In fact, he was so worn out, he actually asked God to let him die and complained twice that he was the only one left who was faithful to God. And did God shame him when Elijah complained? Did he tell him to buck up and be a man, or did he rebuke him for his lack of faith? No. Instead, God recognized that Elijah was exhausted. He let him sleep (for a long time) and sent an angel to feed him and speak words of compassion to him.And even after he had rested and eaten, Elijah was still discouraged in spirit and went to seek the Lord on the mountain. And did the Lord rebuke him then? No. Instead, God revealed Himself to Elijah in a still small voice, refreshing his faith and reminding him that he needed to listen for the quiet of His voice to find strength for his journey.As a social worker, you will have great opportunity to be used by God to minister to others. You will see God do wonderful things in the lives of some of those you serve, but you can still suffer from burnout if you are not careful. Make sure to spend time with God and listen for His still small voice on a regular basis so He can minister to you and fill you with His love anew for the journey. Apart from Him, we can do nothing, but in Him, we can do all things.PrayFather, you are kind and good to your children. Help me to know how to take care of myself so that I have what I need to serve others in Your name. Let me not be so busy or distracted that I neglect time with You, the One who I need the most in doing the work You have called me to. In Jesus’ name, Amen.InstructionsReview the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.Listen to “Be Still My Soul” by Amy Grant with Fields of Plenty, and/or read the Amy Grant Be Still My Soul Transcript.pdf file.Navigate to the threaded discussion and respond to the following discussion questions:Describe your reaction to the scripture passage for this weak and how God treated Elijah. What do you hear God whispering to you as you consider this?Describe a time when you were emotionally or spiritually worn out. What did you do to find restoration? Who or what did God bring into your life to show you His love and help restore your soul for the journey?What is one thing you will do to take care of yourself spiritually during the rest of this practicum?
