What Are You Doing Here?

Rev. Dr. Francis Omondi kicks off MissionsFest 2025 with a message out of 1 Kings 19.

(1 Kings 19:9-13)

Sermon Outline

1 Kings 19: God Meets Elijah

• Elijah is exhausted and discouraged after a season of intense ministry
• Elijah opens his heart to God, and is honest with where he is at
• God meets Elijah where he is at, and ministers to him

1 Kings 17: Elijah’s Start in Ministry

• Elijah steps out into what God calls Him to
• God shows up, and Elijah steps in further

1 Kings 18: Elijah’s Mountaintop Experience

• Elijah is in the fight, confronts the prophets leading Israel astray
• God shows up in the midst of the struggle
• Elijah’s humanity is also present “I am the last prophet”

1 Kings 19: God Meets Elijah

• God cares for Elijah in Elijah’s exhaustion
• God asks, “Why are you here?”
• God gives Elijah a renewed heart and vision for ministry
• God invites Elijah to raise up the next generation

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. As we reflected on Elijah’s life and experience in ministry, what stood out to you? What can you relate to?
2. Have you ever felt to “step out” to serve God or help in our community? How did it go? Were there any parallels to Elijah’s experience?
3. As you’ve stepped out, has there ever been a time where you felt yourself serving more in human effort, or even pride, rather than by being rooted in God and the fruit of His Spirit?
4. Serving others, particularly those in difficult situations, can stretch us and bring us to exhaustion. Have you ever experienced that? How have you coped or dealt with that exhaustion? Burn out?
5. How have you taken that exhaustion, weariness, or burnout to God? If you haven’t, what are some of the ways you can?
6. Some of us have served or given so much we can feel cynicism taking root. How have you been able to renew your heart and vision for ministry in the midst of challenges?
7. How have your experienced or seen God raise up the next generation? How could Hebe calling you to take part in that?

DIG DEEPER

Exploring Faith

• Elijah’s journey started by stepping out. What is one way you could step out to serve others or be a part of God’s mission in the coming month?

Growing in Faith

• We can quickly move from compassion to action, and make reaching out be our own effort. Take time to read books such as When Helping Hurts by Brian Fikkert or Wounded Healer by Henri Nouwen.

Centered in Faith

• Take time away from your normal routines and rhythms this week. Get away with God and seek His presence and voice, to speak to you about the worn out or weary parts of your heart and soul. And let Him ask you “Why are you here?”