This Too Shall Pass

"This Too Shall Pass": Finding Hope in the Midst of Despair
A Sermon on 1 Kings 19:1-8 (Elijah Under the Broom Tree)

Introduction
Life is filled with highs and lows—moments of great victory and seasons of deep despair. Even the most faithful servants of God experience times when they feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and ready to give up. The story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19 is a powerful reminder that our emotions are temporary, but God’s care for us is constant.

Elijah had just experienced one of the greatest spiritual victories in Scripture—defeating the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18). Yet immediately afterward, he found himself running for his life, exhausted, and even praying for death. In his despair, God met him not with rebuke, but with tender provision: food, rest, and reassurance.

This story teaches us a profound truth: "This too shall pass." No matter how dark the moment, how deep the despair, or how overwhelming the trial, God is with us, and He will sustain us.
1. Even the Strongest Can Feel Broken (1 Kings 19:1-4)

Elijah was a spiritual giant—a prophet who called down fire from heaven and ended a three-year drought. Yet, when Queen Jezebel threatened his life, he crumbled under fear and exhaustion.

"Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, 'So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.' Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life..." (1 Kings 19:2-3).

Elijah’s response seems shocking:

He ran away in fear (despite God’s past miracles).


He prayed for death ("It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life..." v. 4).


He felt completely alone ("I, even I only, am left..." v. 10).
Lesson: Emotions Are Temporary

Elijah’s feelings did not reflect reality. God had not abandoned him. The threat of Jezebel was real, but so was God’s power. Yet, in his exhaustion, Elijah could only see the immediate danger.

Have you ever felt this way?

After a great victory, suddenly facing a new struggle?


Feeling alone, even when God has been faithful before?


So weary that you just want to give up?

Elijah’s story reminds us that our feelings are not final. They change, but God’s promises do not.
2. God’s Response: Not Rebuke, But Rest (1 Kings 19:5-7)

How did God respond to Elijah’s despair? Not with anger, but with kindness.

"And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, 'Arise and eat.' And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. And the angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched him and said, 'Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.'" (1 Kings 19:5-7).
God’s Care in Our Weakness

He let Elijah sleep.

Sometimes the most spiritual thing we can do is rest.


Burnout distorts our perspective (Elijah thought he was the only one left, but God had 7,000 others—v. 18).


He fed him—twice.

God knew Elijah’s physical needs affected his spiritual state.


Before giving him a new mission, God strengthened his body.


He prepared him for what was next.

The journey was "too great" for Elijah—but not for God.
Lesson: God Often Meets Us in Simple Ways

We expect dramatic miracles, but sometimes God provides through:

A meal.


A friend’s encouragement.


A good night’s sleep.

Before giving Elijah a new word, God gave him rest and nourishment.
3. "This Too Shall Pass" – The Promise of Renewal (1 Kings 19:8-18)

After resting and eating, Elijah traveled 40 days to Mount Horeb. There, God spoke—not in wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper (v. 12).

God asked Elijah twice: "What are you doing here?" (vv. 9, 13). It wasn’t condemnation—it was an invitation to refocus.

Then God revealed three things:

Elijah was not alone (v. 18 – 7,000 others still faithful).


God had a plan (vv. 15-16 – anointing new leaders).


Elijah’s work wasn’t over (v. 17 – appointing Elisha as his successor).
Lesson: Despair Is Not the End

Elijah thought it was over, but God was just preparing him for the next chapter.

Whatever you’re facing today:

The fear will pass.


The exhaustion will pass.


The loneliness will pass.

God’s purpose for you remains.
Conclusion: Hold On, Help Is Coming

Elijah’s story teaches us:

It’s okay to feel weak—even spiritual giants struggle.


God’s provision often comes through rest and simple care.


No season lasts forever—"This too shall pass."

If you’re in a difficult place today, remember:

Eat. Take care of your body.


Rest. Let God renew your strength.


Listen. God may not shout—He often whispers.

You are not alone. The God who sustained Elijah will sustain you. This too shall pass.

"But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31).

Closing Prayer
"Lord, when we are weary, remind us that our feelings are temporary but Your love is eternal. Help us to rest in You, trust in Your timing, and believe that no trial lasts forever. Strengthen us for the journey ahead. In Jesus’ name, Amen."