Provision in Dependence

Watch the video from Pastor Kaleb & discuss:

1. What’s the most unexpected way someone has helped you or shown up in your life? What made it so impactful?

2. Read 1 Kings 17:8-9 together. God sends Elijah into the heart of Baal worship to a grieving, likely poor widow. What does this tell us about the heart of God?

3. Why do you think God chose this particular woman to help Elijah? How does this challenge our assumptions about who God uses? Who in your life might seem like an unlikely person God could use to speak into your life? Are you open to learning or receiving from unexpected places?

4. Read 1 Kings 17:10-12. How does Elijah’s dependence on the widow reflect a spiritual truth about our need for others & God's desire to use our lives to meet needs? 

5. What does “dependence on God” practically look like in your current life stage? What area of your life do you find is hardest for you to to surrender?

6. Read 1 Kings 17:13-16. Elijah asks the widow to feed him first. Why might that feel backwards or even wrong in this situation? Do you find it difficult to respond with generosity first when you have little to nothing to give? How might God be asking you to take a leap of faith right now to give or serve even when it feels like you don’t have much to offer?

7. Read 1 Kings 17:17-18 & Romans 8:1. The widow interprets her son’s death as God punishing her. Why do you think suffering feels like punishment? From Romans 8:1, how can we remind each other of the truth found in this passage when grief or pain makes us question God’s heart for us?

8. Read 1 Kings 17:19-24. Elijah stretches himself out on the boy, an unclean act according to the law. What does this tell you about how far God is willing to go to meet us in our mess?

9. Read 2 Corinthians 5:21. Elijah laid on the child, identifying with death to bring life. Jesus did this perfectly on the cross. What does it mean to you that Jesus identifies with your suffering, sin, and sorrow?

10. Overall, how does this story of Elijah strengthen your trust in Jesus, especially in painful seasons?

End your discussion by praying for one another.