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Today we have a special podcast for you, as we wanted to share with you a live portion of the Versus Conference that happened on Thursday at Rolling Hills Community Church. So, you’ll be hearing from Pastor Jeff Simmons, as he dives into the story of Elijah found in 1 Kings 18-19.

From fighting the urge to follow what culture says to staying faithful and pure in the midst of temptation to struggling with his own insecurities and battles, Elijah faced many challenges in his lifetime, but even through it all, he found God to be his faithful Rock, and he found another Christ-following man to fight with him in battle. We, too, will face many challenges, temptations, and trying circumstances because we’re all in a battle – each and every day – with a real Enemy. But, like Elijah, we were created to walk with God and walk with other men as we face our everyday battles. 

In a matter of moments, Elijah went from staging and witnessing one of God’s large-scale miracles against the worshippers of Baal, to fleeing alone to an empty cave full of fear, worry, and anxiety. If someone with the resume of Elijah, who God spoke to and worked miracles through, discovered that he couldn’t handle life alone, how much more do we need to come to this realization? 

As men, we face battles every day. Our careers, marriages, how we raise our children, relationships, our mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health – all present unique challenges. We live in a culture that would have us shoulder this responsibility alone, but Scripture shares a different truth: 

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17

Even a man like the prophet Elijah struggled when he tried to shoulder the burden alone. But in the face of Elijah’s struggles, there are lessons to be learned:

1. Stand Strong for the Lord, even when it is unpopular. Elijah saw the destruction that worshipping other gods brought and wasn’t afraid to challenge those around him to show God’s strength.
2. Listen and Pray. God’s triumph on Mount Carmel was a spectacle seen by hundreds and when the dust had settled, Elijah began to fear the opponents who were still left. At first, he tried to handle this alone, but the Lord made it clear that he could not. In fact, he never had, God was always with him. Who better to take with you into battle than the Lord of the Universe?
3. Invite other Men to the Walk. After God came to him in the cave, Elijah set out and found a fellow brother to walk alongside him; someone to pour into, someone to hold him accountable, and someone to encourage him in his mission.

God is with you in whatever battle you are facing and tells you: Don’t Go Alone! When we isolate, we put ourselves and our families in danger. If you’re struggling or think you can handle everything on your own, lay that down at the feet of Jesus. Don’t let the enemy gain a foothold in your life, in your marriage, in your children’s lives. Right now is our time to make a difference. Man-up and take others into the battle with you.