LifeGroup Notes

BIG IDEA
Our study this week opens with the story of Elijah, a prophet during the reign of King Ahab. His name means “the LORD is my God,” and he definitely lived up to his name! He was sent by God to preach against the worship of the idol Baal among the Jewish people. God worked many miracles through him in order to show His glory and to draw people to Him. Elijah was very passionate about God and doing His work. Throughout his ministry, we see his great faith in God demonstrated as he stood in the gap between God and His people.

In 1 Kings 17, God instructed Elijah to go and stay with a widow and her son. Due to a severe drought, the widow was on her last portion of food and had nothing else left, but Elijah obeyed God and asked her for bread. Through faith, God miraculously provided enough food for the widow, her son, and Elijah through the drought, sustaining their life. However, in this week’s study, we will see the widow’s faith tested greatly as God shows that He is also the Giver of life!

Passages we’ll review:
1 Kings 17:17-24, Job 19:25-27; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

OPENING
What stood out to you from the message this week? What led you to really think? Did anything challenge you? Have you ever had to share something that you really loved, something that had immense value to you?

Did you ever have a major wipeout as a kid? Give the details. What did people say or do to try to comfort you? Did it help?

READ

Read 1 Kings 17:17-24

Even though the widow had seen God’s provision for her family during the time of famine, in this dire situation, she questioned God’s goodness , as well as her own guilt for past sins. When we face adversity in life, is it always right to say it is a “judgment from God?”

Have you ever found yourself questioning God’s decisions or His goodness during a time of suffering? How did you work through the situation?

When we think back to our study on Blindspots in John 9, what did we learn was often the reason for suffering?

How does Elijah refer to the Lord? What does this tell us about his relationship with God? What can we learn about the reality that comes from having a relationship with the Living God?

It wasn’t enough for the widow to see that God could provide. She needed to experience Him personally and encounter His loving-kindness to truly be able to understand and worship Him. —Editor’s Note

Why do you think God chose a widow to showcase His power of provision and resurrection?

The resurrection of her son changed everything for the widow. How does the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, change everything for us?

Through this miracle and the prophet Elijah, we see that God uses the hard times in life as a training ground, to prepare us for what lies ahead. Like Elijah, our spiritual courage grows as we learn to trust Him! —Editor’s Note

Read Job 19:25-27

Once again, we look to Job, one considered righteous and blameless in God’s sight. He had lost everything, but despite his complaints and frustration, who did Job cling to for his hope?

When you are struggling, in crisis, or suffering, where do you go for hope and relief?

How can Job’s response challenge and encourage us?

DIGGING DEEPER

Read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Why did Paul not give up, even though he faced much suffering and persecution? How did he find confidence in his suffering?

How did Paul contrast his affliction and the glory to come? Why is this important?

In what ways can you experience God’s power in your life through trials and weaknesses?

What should our attitude be as we do His work and share the Gospel message with others?

Like Paul, we must look past our current situation and remember to place our hope in our future with Him. As we go through the hard times, we can lean on our faith in Him. Hebrews 11:1 reminds us: “Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.” —Editor’s Note

LET’S PRAY

Consider the following as you pray together:

1. Elijah asked something of God that had not been done before. Yet he stepped out in faith, and asked God anyway. Do you find yourself facing something that seems impossible? Present it to God today. Make a point to put it before Him each day to see how He can use this situation for His glory.
   

2. Because of Elijah’s faith in and commitment to God, the widow professed that she knew God’s Word was indeed the truth. How will you live and act this week so that others will know that you are a man or woman of God and that His Word is truth?
   

3. We see the power of intercessory prayer in this passage. Elijah acted as an intercessor for the widow who was struggling and lacking faith. How does this speak to you? Who can you intercede for this week?
   

“In some way or other we will have to learn the difference between trusting in the gift and trusting in the Giver. The gift may be good for a while, but the Giver is the Eternal love.” (F.B. Meyer)