Beyond the Weekend: EPIC
Stories of Trust, Failure and Faith That Point to Jesus
What does it look like to believe God, not just believe in God? This fall, we're diving into the raw, unfiltered stories of biblical heroes who wrestled with doubt, took dangerous detours, and discovered that trusting God means following him even when you can't see the outcome. Their epic journeys of trust, failure and faith all point to the ultimate hero—Jesus.
Key Messaging Points:
- There's a difference between believing in God and believing God
- God speaks in life's detours and disruptions
- Wrestling with God transforms us
- Trusting God means obeying before you see the outcome
- Every story of human struggle points to Jesus
Powerless Idols
Read: 1 Kings 18:22-29 Listen: 1 Kings 18
Midday passed, and they continued their frantic prophesying until the time for the evening sacrifice. But there was no response, no one answered, no one paid attention. 1 Kings 18:29
Everyone is in agreement. The stage is set. Let's find out who the real god is. Elijah, King Ahab, the prophets of Baal and the people of Israel meet on Mt. Carmel for a decisive confrontation. An altar is built as two sacrifices are prepared. Whoever sends the fire—he is God. On paper, this is a favorable matchup for Baal. As the god of storms, lightning is his specialty. Baal also has four hundred and fifty prophets representing him. The God of Israel? Only Elijah. But something isn’t working. Baal’s prophets cry out. Silence. They cut themselves and scream as hours pass. Still nothing. Elijah begins to taunt them. Their efforts aren’t working. Israel and Baal’s worshippers learn what Elijah already knows. Their idol is powerless.
The idols we pursue are also powerless and let us down. Our appearance is fleeting with age. Approval disappears as soon as we have it. Athletic ability, financial security, popularity—all of it can disappear in a moment. The journey to security and wholeness is the road back to God. The journey begins with the often-painful realization that these idols are not working; they’re transparent and powerless. They have disappointed us and let us down.
TODAY: In your journal or mobile device, write a note of gratitude for God's mercy. Thank him that he has the power to meet us in our circumstances, free us from idols and that he welcomes us back home. Explore Rehoboam’s story further on the Beyond the Weekend Podcast—find it wherever you listen to podcasts or on YouTube.
