STORIES YOU SHOULD KNOW | JULY 12, 2026

Chip Henderson

Key Passage: “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him.” – 1 Kings 18:21

OPENING QUESTION

What are some things people look to for security, success, or happiness today? Why do those things seem so trustworthy, even though they often leave us disappointed?

GROW

Every generation must answer the same question: Who will you trust? In Elijah’s day, Israel had slowly drifted from worshiping the Lord to trusting Baal, the false god who was believed to control rain, prosperity, and fertility. Under the leadership of Ahab and Jezebel, the nation traded the worship of the one true God for gods that promised power, pleasure, and provision but could never deliver. Elijah’s name—“My God is Yahweh”—stood in direct contrast to that culture and called God’s people back to wholehearted faith.

Throughout 1 Kings 17, God reveals why He alone is worthy of our trust. He commands nature by stopping the rain that Baal was supposed to control. He provides for Elijah through ravens and sustains a widow whose resources had run out. He even demonstrates His authority over death by raising her son to life. These miracles aren’t simply amazing stories; they’re declarations about who God is. The gods of this world always promise more than they can give. Only the Lord has authority over creation, compassion for the forgotten, and power over life itself.

  • What stands out to you about God’s character in this chapter?

  • What “gods” or false sources of security are people tempted to trust today?

  • Where is God inviting you to trust Him more fully instead of relying on your own resources or circumstances?

PRAY

The widow’s story reminds us that following God doesn’t mean life will always make sense. She experienced God’s miraculous provision, yet she still faced heartbreaking loss when her son died. In her grief, she brought her pain, confusion, and questions to God. Elijah did the same, praying honestly and persistently until God answered. Prayer isn’t pretending everything is fine; it’s bringing every circumstance before the God who has power over both life and death. Because Jesus conquered death through His resurrection, we can confidently trust Him with even our most impossible situations.

  • Is there a situation where you need to trust God’s character instead of your circumstances? What would that look like?

  • What “impossible” situation do you need to place before God in prayer today?

  • How can our group pray for one another this week?

CONNECT

One of the most beautiful truths in this story is that the God who commands creation also notices the people everyone else overlooks. He chose a poor widow in a pagan city to display His faithfulness. Her value wasn’t determined by her status, resources, or influence but by God’s love for her. As followers of Jesus, we’re called to reflect that same heart by seeing people the way God sees them and extending compassion to those who may feel forgotten, isolated, or overlooked.

  • When have you experienced God’s care through another person’s encouragement or compassion?

  • Who in your life may be feeling overlooked, discouraged, or forgotten right now?

  • How can our group intentionally reflect God’s heart to someone this week?

SHARE

Every person is worshiping something. Some trust success, money, comfort, relationships, or control, believing those things will provide the life they’re searching for. Elijah’s story reminds us that those promises always fall short. Only the one true God can provide what our hearts truly need. Jesus demonstrated that same authority by calming storms, providing for the hungry, caring for the forgotten, and ultimately conquering death. Sharing stories of God’s faithfulness invites others to place their trust in the One who never fails.

  • How has God shown His faithfulness in your own life?

  • Who around you is searching for hope in something empty?

  • What is one opportunity you have this week to point someone toward Jesus through your words or your actions?

NEXT STEP

Choose one action for this week in one of the Be The Church rhythms:

Grow: Read 1 Kings 16–17 this week and make a list of everything these chapters reveal about God’s authority, provision, compassion, and power.
Pray: Bring one area of your life where you’ve been relying on yourself instead of God before Him each day this week, asking Him to strengthen your faith.
Connect: Reach out to someone who may feel overlooked or discouraged, and remind them that they are seen, loved, and valued by God.
Share: Share with someone this week about a time God faithfully provided for you, answered a prayer, or met you in a difficult season, pointing them to the hope found in Jesus.