I Ain’t Got No Help

Introduction Expressing gratitude for God’s help, emphasizing its sufficiency compared to worldly assistance. Referencing 1 Kings 19, sharing that the Lord spoke to his soul during a revival. Stating the importance of the Holy Spirit and God’s voice. Scripture Reading (1 Kings 19:13-14) Reading 1 Kings 19:13-14, focusing on Elijah’s experience in the cave. Elijah wrapped his face in his mantle and stood at the entrance of the cave. A voice asked him, “What doest thou here, Elijah?” Elijah’s response: He had been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars and slain thy prophets with the sword and I even I only am left and they seek my life to take it away. Personal Anecdote Recalling Carolyn Payne, his high school English teacher, and her influence. She taught at William Blount and pushed him hard in advanced composition. Preparing to make a statement with “bad English” for the sake of the children listening. Example: “I ain’t got no help.” Explaining that country folk would understand the meaning. Elijah’s Situation Drawing a parallel between Elijah’s feelings of helplessness and personal experiences. Describing times when the enemy attacks, leading to feelings of isolation and being overwhelmed. Sharing personal experiences of feeling like he wouldn’t make it another day. Recalling Elijah’s powerful acts on Mount Carmel, including calling down fire from heaven and slaying 850 prophets. Mentioning Elijah’s prayer for rain and the appearance of a small cloud. Elijah ran to Jezreel and gave Ahab a message. Ahab sent a message back to Elijah that Jezebel was after him. Elijah took his servant and tried to escape. God’s Understanding and Help Emphasizing that God knows what individuals are going through and feeling. Expressing gratitude that God is bigger and knows what is needed even when one doesn’t. Sharing that God has always been a help since being saved at age nine. Acknowledging times of feeling alone and without help, especially when physically and mentally exhausted. Describing the devil’s lies that reinforce feelings of helplessness. Asserting that God is always a help. Elijah’s Humanity Acknowledging Elijah’s greatness as a man of God who witnessed God’s power. Recognizing that even Elijah ended up in a bad spot, feeling like the only one left. Highlighting that feeling alone is a tactic of the enemy. Reaffirming that God doesn’t leave individuals alone but places them among other believers. Encouraging listeners to remember their family in Christ during difficult times. Stating the responsibility to care for one another as part of the family of God. Unnoticed Help Explaining that God is always helping, even when it’s not noticed. Reflecting on times when he didn’t know how he made it through the day. Asserting that God never puts His people in a place where they are truly alone. Mentioning the presence of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Sharing that Elijah had a servant with him on Carmel. Believing the servant was present when fire came from heaven and during the slaying of the prophets. Expressing gratitude for those who have been a help in times of need. Highlighting the existence of “little servants” who help others along. Pointing out that Elijah forgot he had a servant and didn’t notice the help he had. Elijah’s Journey to Beersheba Elijah sent his servant to give Ahab the message. Elijah took his servant with him from Jezreel to Beersheba. Warning against leaving the church unless God directs it. Elijah left his servant in Beersheba, isolating himself. Suggesting that the servant would have done anything for Elijah. Stating that Elijah could have used help in the next few days. Angel’s Help in the Wilderness Elijah went a day’s journey into the wilderness and fell asleep under a juniper tree. God sent an angel to help him because He knew Elijah was tired. Acknowledging physical limitations and the need for rest. The angel prepared bread and water for Elijah while he slept. Mentioning the warning to be careful, as one could entertain angels unaware. Sharing a personal story of encountering someone while driving late at night and giving them food. Reiterating that Elijah couldn’t notice the help he had because he was worn out. Supernatural Sustenance The angel woke Elijah and told him to arise and eat. Elijah ate the bread and drank the water, then went back to sleep. Emphasizing the importance of not making decisions when tired. Highlighting that physical exhaustion and mental strain create an opportunity for the devil. The angel never left Elijah. The angel woke him again, saying the journey was too great for him. Elijah went on the strength of that meal for 40 days and 40 nights. Believing that God sometimes intervenes divinely to provide spiritual strength. Meeting with God on Mount Horeb Elijah went to the top of Mount Horeb to meet with God. God asked Elijah, “What are you doing here?” Emphasizing that God knows where individuals are mentally, physically, and emotionally. God was in a probing mood, indicating something was wrong. God told Elijah to stand on the edge of the mountain. God sent a strong wind, an earthquake, and a fire. God wasn’t in those things but sent them to remind Elijah of His power. Elijah wrapped his mantle around his head and went back into the cave. In the quietness of the cave, Elijah heard a still small voice. God asked him again, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Elijah repeated his previous answer. The devil can twist one’s head to make them think what happened didn’t happen. Help He Didn’t Know About God told Elijah to anoint Hazael to be king over Syria and Jehu to be king over Israel. God also told Elijah to anoint Elisha to be prophet in his place. God was giving Elijah helpers and eventually replacing him. Elisha never left Elijah. God revealed that there were 7,000 in Israel who had not bowed to Baal. The problem is that individuals are not God and don’t know the help they have. Help in the Word of God Encouraging listeners to open up the “help book” (the Bible). Sharing Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, thou, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God. I will strengthen thee, yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Sharing a personal story of receiving this scripture from Victor Stefanini during a difficult time. Quoting Psalms 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Quoting Matthew 28:20: “I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Prayer Inviting Bryce, Kenzie, and Stella to come forward for prayer. Clarifying that Bryce and Kenzie are not staying together at college. Expressing appreciation for their faithfulness and praying for their continued faithfulness. Encouraging them that God is building something in them during times of uncertainty. Inviting everyone to come around and pray. Concluding with the assurance that there is help in the Lord.