And Elijah said to Ahab, “Go, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain.” ⁴² So Ahab went off to eat and drink, but Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees. ⁴³ “Go and look toward the sea,” he told his servant. And he went up and looked. “There is nothing there,” he said. Seven times Elijah said, “Go back.” ⁴⁴ The seventh time the servant reported, “A cloud as small as a man’s hand is rising from the sea.” So Elijah said, “Go and tell Ahab, ‘Hitch up your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.’ ” ⁴⁵ Meanwhile, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain started falling and Ahab rode off to Jezreel. ⁴⁶ The power of the Lord came on Elijah and, tucking his cloak into his belt, he ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel. —1 Kings 18:41-46 (NIV84)

1. Running in the Rain - 1Kings 18:46; Psalm 20:7-8; Joshua 3:3-4
   

2. Rain and Revolt - 1Kings 19; 2Cor. 4:4
   

3. Rain Reveals - Isaiah 6:5; Romans 7:24-25

… since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. —Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV84)

Discipleship Guide

Let’s Talk About It

An angry king. Devastating drought. Epic opposition. And one man who uses his faith, leans in, and overcomes it all. Elijah persevered in prayer through opposition and discouragement to see God work through His life in a mighty way. As we learn to persevere in prayer, the greatest benefit of prayer is not getting the answer but experiencing a greater depth of relationship with Him.

1 Kings 18:41-46; Hebrews 12:1-2; Psalm 20:7-8

Purple Book:

▪ Congratulations! You did it! Bring your completed Purple Book to the purple table to receive your certificate and reward.

Sermon questions:

▪ Which part of the message impacted or challenged you?

▪ Read 1 Kings 18:41-46. What do you think gave Elijah’s such incredible confidence that God would bring rain? What hinders you from having faith like Elijah?

▪ Read Psalm 20:7-8. We probably don’t trust in chariots or horses, but what are some things other than God that we place our trust in? Why do we do that? What are some practical steps you can take to shift from placing our trust in other things to God?

▪ Do you have a consistent, faith-filled prayer life? If so, what does that look like? If not, what steps can you take to be more consistent and faith-filled in your prayers?

▪ Read Hebrews 12:1-2. What is one prayer that you have consistently prayed? If there is not one, who or what will you commit to praying for?

Take a Step

▪ Commit to spending some time every day in prayer and ask God to fill you with greater faith as you trust Him.

Here’s My Prayer

Lord, thank You, for always being there for me. Fill me with a greater awareness of Your presence in my life. Build my faith as I persevere in prayer. Empower me to be a bold witness for You and to bring You glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.