“Defeating Discouragement”

Pastor Doug Heisel – February 16, 2025

1 Kings 19:3 – Elijah was afraid and he ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah he left his servant there while he himself went a day’s journey into the desert. He came to a

broom tree and sat down under it and prayed that he might die.”

Steps To Defeating Discouragement:

1. Take care of your PHYSICAL needs.

V. 5-7 – Then Elijah lay down under the tree and he fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, ‘Get up and eat.’ He looked around and there by his head was a cake of bread

baked over hot coals and a jar of water. He ate and he drank and he lay down again. Then the angel of the Lord came a second time and touched him and said, ‘Get up and eat again. The journey is too much for you.’

2. Put appropriate distance between you and TOXIC people.

Vs. 8 – So he arose, and ate and drank; and he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights, as far as Horeb, the mountain of God.

(Note: Elijah will never be around Jezebel in the future)

2 Timothy 4:14-15 – Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.

3. Spend some time in GOD’S PRESENCE.

V. 11 – The Lord said to Elijah, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”

LISTEN for His still small voice.

Vs. 12-13 – After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out

and stood at the mouth of the cave.

Give your FRUSTRATIONS to the Lord.

V. 14 – (Elijah) “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”

Luke 13:34 – “…I have often wanted to gather your people, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings…”

LISTEN more.

V. 18 – (The LORD said) “I reserve seven thousand in Israel— all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.”


4. Get involved in the WORK the Lord prompts you to do with the PEOPLE he has lined up for you.

V. 15 – “The Lord came to Elijah and said, ‘Go back the way you came and go to the desert of Damascus and when you get there here’s what I want you to do…”

Vs. 19 & 21 – So he departed from there and found Elisha … and they ate. Then he arose and followed Elijah, and became his servant.