Beyond Your Breaking Point
Teaching Notes
Beyond Your Breaking Point: Finding Hope When You've Reached the End of Yourself • 1 Kings 18 & 19
We've all experienced moments of despair and hopelessness. Perhaps you've had seasons of depression where you couldn't see a way forward, or maybe what you saw ahead was a future you didn't want to face. These moments when we reach the end of ourselves—when we feel we can't take another step—are precisely when God does His greatest work in our lives.
What Happens When We Reach Our Breaking Point?
Think of it like a runner's "second wind." When you're running and feel you can't possibly take another step, suddenly something deep inside overrides your brain and body, giving you a surge of energy to continue. In our spiritual lives, God often provides this second wind when we've reached our breaking point.
The story of Elijah in 1 Kings 18-19 shows us that even the greatest heroes of faith experience moments of profound despair—and how God meets us in those moments.
Three Lessons from Elijah's Breaking Point
1. Even Our Heroes Are Human
Elijah was one of the greatest prophets in the Bible. He called down fire from heaven, ended a three-year drought with his prayers, and even outran a horse for dozens of miles through the power of God. Yet within a few verses of these incredible victories, we find him exhausted, afraid, and begging God to take his life.
This teaches us something profound: even spiritual giants need rescue sometimes. When our strength is spent, our plans have failed, and our expectations are shattered—when we're completely out of options—that's when God begins His best work in our lives.
2. Understanding the Dynamics of Our Despair
How could someone like Elijah, who had witnessed such incredible miracles, reach such a breaking point? Several factors contributed to his despair:
Disappointment with Unmet Expectations
After the dramatic showdown on Mount Carmel where God sent fire from heaven and the people declared "The Lord, He is God," Elijah likely expected Queen Jezebel to repent or at least acknowledge God's power. Instead, she doubled down and threatened to kill him within 24 hours.
When things don't work out the way we hoped or expected, despair can take hold. We must anchor our hope not to immediate outcomes or our preferred timelines, but to God Himself who is writing our story.
Listening to the Wrong Voices
Despite having access to God's voice, Elijah allowed Jezebel's threatening message to dictate his actions. He ran in fear rather than standing firm in faith.
What voices are you listening to? What inputs are you allowing into your heart and mind? Are they moving you toward hope and freedom, or toward hopelessness and fear?
Physical and Emotional Exhaustion
Elijah was physically depleted after years of running, hiding, and the emotional toll of ministry. Sometimes our spiritual and emotional struggles are connected to our physical state.
Feeling Like a Failure
Elijah said, "I am no better than my ancestors who have already died." He defined himself by what he perceived as failure rather than by what God said about him.
3. How to Receive Help from Heaven
God's response to Elijah's despair teaches us how to receive divine help in our darkest moments:
Sometimes Help Looks Surprisingly Simple
God didn't immediately give Elijah a new mission or a theological lecture. Instead, He sent an angel with bread, water, and an invitation to rest. Sometimes the grace of God looks like a nap, a healthy meal, or simply taking care of your basic needs.
God Meets Us with Questions, Not Condemnation
When Elijah reached the cave at Mount Horeb, God didn't rebuke him for running away. Instead, He asked, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" God invited Elijah to express his feelings and frustrations.
God Speaks in the Whisper
After the wind, earthquake, and fire, God spoke to Elijah in a gentle whisper. This required Elijah to be close, to be still, and to listen carefully. Sometimes we need to turn down the noise in our lives to hear God's voice.
God Reminds Us We're Not Alone
Elijah believed he was the only faithful person left. God corrected this misperception by revealing there were 7,000 others who hadn't bowed to Baal. Our isolation often magnifies our despair.
God Gives New Direction
After meeting Elijah in his despair, God gave him a new assignment. There was still purpose for his life. The story wasn't over.
Life Application
When you find yourself beyond your breaking point, remember these practical steps:
Take care of your physical needs - Rest, eat well, and exercise. Don't underestimate how your physical state affects your spiritual and emotional health.
Don't journey alone - Unlike Elijah who left his servant behind, invite others into your struggles. Share your burdens with trusted friends or counselors.
Quiet yourself to hear God's whisper - Turn down the noise and distractions in your life. Create space to experience God's presence and hear His voice.
Remember that despair cannot coexist with proximity to God - Draw near to Him, and your perspective will begin to change.
Trust that your story isn't over - God still has plans for you, even when you can't see the way forward.
Questions to Consider:
What voices am I listening to that might be feeding my despair rather than my faith?
Where might God be whispering to me, and how can I position myself to hear Him better?
What simple acts of self-care might God be inviting me to embrace right now?
Who can I invite into my journey rather than trying to handle everything alone?
How might God be preparing to give me a "second wind" in this season of my life?
Remember, no matter how deep the pit or how final your breaking point might feel, there is hope and a future with Christ for every one of us.
Setlist
WFC Lenexa + WFC Anywhere
That's My King- CeCe Winans
You've Already Won- Shane and Shane
A Thousand Hallelujahs- Brooke Ligertwood
Anchor- Mitch Langley
WFC Speedway
Who You Say I Am - Hillsong
Faith and Wonder - Meredith Andrews
Jesus You Alone - Highlands Worship
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