Sermon Study Guide | Series: I Am | Sermon: With You in the Silence
Scripture: 1 Kings 19:1-3  | Date: March 15, 2026

We’ve developed a daily devotional reading plan for this series on YouVersion

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If you’d like to dig deeper take a look at our Series Resource Page

CONNECT - “A Personal Reflection”

This section is designed to help you relate personally to the theme of the sermon. It encourages you to reflect on your own life experiences and how they connect to the message.

Think about a time when you finally got something you had been praying for, working toward, or carrying for a long time, only to realize the “win” didn’t feel the way you expected. Maybe instead of joy, you felt tired, numb, disappointed, or even strangely empty. Have you ever had a “post-Carmel” moment like Elijah, where the breakthrough was real, but so was the crash afterward? 

Where in your life do you feel like God may be inviting you not to push harder, but to slow down long enough to let Him care for you? Share with your group

ENGAGE - “Exploring the Scripture”

This section invites you to dive into the biblical passage, discuss its meaning, and apply it to your life through thoughtful questions.

Read 1 Kings 19:1–13 together and discuss:

• Elijah had just experienced one of the greatest victories of his life in 1 Kings 18, but in chapter 19 he collapses under the weight of fear and exhaustion. What stands out to you about how quickly he moved from triumph to despair?
  
  
• Elijah says, “It is enough.” Have you ever had a moment where you didn’t say those exact words out loud, but your soul felt them? What was going on beneath the surface?
  
  
• Before God gives Elijah direction, He gives him sleep, bread, water, and quiet. What does that show us about God’s character? Why do you think God often answers the need before He answers the question?
  
  
• The angel tells Elijah, “The journey is too great for you.” How does that sentence hit you personally? Is it hard for you to admit that some things you are carrying are too heavy to carry alone?
  
  
• God was not in the wind, earthquake, or fire for Elijah in this moment, but in the “sound of thin silence.” Why do you think God chose to meet Elijah that way?
  
  
• What are the “winds, earthquakes, and fires” competing for your attention right now? What makes it difficult for you to notice God in quiet places?
  
  
• Consider this question: “What if God is waiting for you to wait on Him to minister to you?” What would it look like for that question to become real in your schedule, your relationships, or your inner life this week?

APPLY - “Putting the Scriptures into Action”

This section challenges us to take what we’ve learned and implement it in practical ways in our daily lives.

• Set aside one intentional block of quiet this week, even 10–15 minutes, with no phone, music, or distractions, and simply ask God to meet you in the silence.
  
  
• Pay attention to signs of exhaustion in your life. Instead of spiritualizing past them, name them honestly before God and one trusted person.
  
  
• Identify one way you need to receive from God right now rather than only serve, lead, fix, or produce for others.
  
  
• Take one practical step toward replenishment this week: rest, a meal with someone safe, meeting with a counselor, a walk, or unhurried prayer.
  
  
• Ask yourself where you may still be chasing “the car.” What win, goal, or outcome have you attached too much meaning to? Surrender that to God in prayer.
  
  
• Reach out to someone who may be in their own “post-Carmel” moment. Instead of trying to solve them, offer presence, encouragement, and care.

PRAY - “Seeking God’s Guidance”

This section offers a short prayer to help us center our hearts and invite God to work in our lives through his scripture.

God, thank You that You are not only with us in the fire, but also in the silence. Thank You that when we are tired, overwhelmed, and empty, You do not shame us or rush us. You meet us with tenderness, with what we need, and with Your presence. Help us slow down long enough to receive from You. Teach us to wait on You, to trust You in quiet places, and to recognize Your voice even when it comes as a whisper. Renew our strength, restore what is depleted in us, and remind us that we never have to carry the journey alone. Amen.

If you have feedback on this guide or ideas that would help your group engage more deeply, we’d love to hear from you. Your insight helps us continue growing as a church that wrestles honestly and walks faithfully together. Contact msummers@menlo.church

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