1 Kings 12–13; 17–22

Consider writing the following question on the board and asking it to the class. You could write students’ responses on the board.

• What are some uncertain situations young adults face that would require them to put a great amount of trust in the Lord?

Invite students to reflect on challenging situations they are currently facing, especially ones where trusting the Lord feels difficult because they don’t know how things will turn out. Encourage them as they study today to look for truths that can help them rely on the Lord with greater confidence, even when the future seems uncertain.

To help students understand the context for 1 Kings 17, you or a student could summarize the information in the following paragraph:

The prophet Elijah lived in the Northern Kingdom of Israel during a time of widespread wickedness and idolatry. He used the power of God to prevent rain from falling, which resulted in years of drought and famine. The Lord provided for Elijah’s needs by instructing him to hide by a brook of water, where ravens fed him. The Lord then told Elijah to go to the land of Zarephath, where a widow would sustain him (see 1 Kings 17:1–9). Many of Elijah’s actions in this account can symbolically remind us of Jesus Christ. (This may be a good time to introduce the skill “Focusing on Jesus Christ in the Scriptures” in Scripture Study Skills.)

Give students time to study 1 Kings 17:10–24 and to record their answers to the following questions:

• What did Elijah do or say that reminds you of Jesus Christ?

• What do you learn from the widow about trusting in the Lord?

After students have had sufficient time to study, invite them to share their answers to these questions with a partner or small group. A few students could also share their insights with the class. One example of a truth they may identify is this: When we put our trust in the Lord, He will bless and sustain us.

Consider inviting students to study a few of the following scriptures. Ask them to share truths from these verses that teach the importance of trusting in the Lord. They could also share how the truths taught in the passages are exemplified in the account of Elijah and the widow in 1 Kings 17.

• Psalm 34:22

• Proverbs 3:5–6

• John 6:35

• John 11:25

• John 14:6

• Alma 36:3

You could direct students’ attention to the list you created on the board at the beginning of the learning activity, and then ask a few questions like the following:

• What can make it hard to put our trust in the Lord in situations like these?

• What are some ways people could demonstrate their trust in the Lord in these situations?

Invite students to take a moment to write about a time when they or someone they know had to completely trust or rely on the Lord without knowing the outcome. They could also describe how they saw the Lord’s blessings from that experience. You could then invite a few willing students to share their experiences with the class.

Consider displaying a jar containing a little oil and another jar with a small amount of flour. Invite students to ponder how they can follow the example of the widow of Zarephath and place their trust in the Lord amid difficult circumstances they are facing. Encourage them to record their thoughts or impressions.

Return to “Learning Activity Options.”

You could begin by sharing the following statement by President Thomas S. Monson and discussing the accompanying questions:

Where once the standards of the Church and the standards of society were mostly compatible, now there is a wide chasm between us, and it’s growing ever wider. (“Priesthood Power,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2011, 66)

• What are some examples you can think of that illustrate what President Monson was describing in this statement?

Explain that the prophet Elijah also lived during a time when there was a gap between the standards of his society and the standards of the Lord. During the reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, many Israelites attempted to worship false gods, including Baal, alongside Jehovah. Elijah challenged hundreds of false prophets to a contest on Mount Carmel to prove whether Baal or Jehovah was the true God (see 1 Kings 18:17–21). Before the contest began, Elijah spoke to the people.

Invite students to read 1 Kings 18:21, looking for Elijah’s question to the Israelites. You could then ask:

• How would you summarize Elijah’s words in this verse? (If needed, students could read the entry for 1 Kings 18:21 in Scripture Helps: Old Testament.)

• What is a truth we can learn from Elijah’s question to the people? (Students may identify a truth like the following: We cannot follow God while also following false gods and unrighteous influences.)

Consider sharing and discussing the following statement by Elder D. Todd Christofferson:

Today Elijah might say:

• Either God, our Heavenly Father, exists, or He does not, but if He exists, worship Him.

• Either Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the resurrected Redeemer of mankind, or He is not, but if He is, follow Him. …

To persevere firm and steadfast in the faith of Christ requires that the gospel of Jesus Christ penetrate one’s heart and soul, meaning that the gospel becomes not just one of many influences in a person’s life but the defining focus of his or her life and character. (“Firm and Steadfast in the Faith of Christ,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 30, 31)

• What are some ways that people in our time might attempt to follow God while also following false gods and unrighteous influences?

• What do you know about God that can influence you to make Him and His gospel “the defining focus” of your life?

Invite students to read 1 Kings 18:22–39, looking for what happened between Elijah and the priests of Baal. (Students could also read the entry for 1 Kings 18:22–46 in Scripture Helps: Old Testament.) Consider asking questions like the following to help students share their insights:

• Why might Elijah have poured so much water on the sacrifice and altar?

• What does this account help you understand about the power of God?

You might conclude by singing together or reading the lyrics of the hymn “Who’s on the Lord’s Side?” (Hymns, 260). Invite students to ponder and write down ways they can more fully devote themselves to following the Lord.

Return to “Learning Activity Options.”

Consider beginning by discussing the following statement by Elder Gary E. Stevenson:

Over the course of my ministry, I have found a universal longing by everyone to know how to invite and recognize the promptings of the Holy Ghost. (“Promptings of the Spirit,” Liahona, Nov. 2023, 43)

Why is it sometimes difficult for us to know how to invite and recognize the promptings of the Holy Ghost?

In this learning activity, you could help students practice the skill “Asking Questions That Invite Diligent Learning” from Scripture Study Skills. Invite students to write down one or more questions they have about inviting and recognizing promptings from the Spirit. Encourage them as they study to look for truths that could help answer their questions.

Explain that after Elijah defeated the false prophets of Baal, Ahab’s wife, Jezebel, sought to have Elijah killed. He fled from the land of Israel and traveled many days until he reached Mount Horeb, another name for Mount Sinai.

Invite students to read 1 Kings 19:9–12 and the entry for these verses in Scripture Helps: Old Testament, looking for what happened as Elijah came to the mount. You could then ask questions like the following:

• What can we learn from this account about how the Lord communicates with us? (Help students to identify a truth like this: The Lord often speaks to us through the still, small voice of the Spirit.)

• Why do you think it is important to know that the Lord often speaks to us in a still, small voice? How does this reflect His nature and attributes?

• How can we strengthen our ability to recognize the quiet promptings of the Holy Spirit?

Give students an opportunity to spend time studying the questions they wrote down at the beginning of the learning activity. They could search the scriptures, teachings from Church leaders, or other resources in Gospel Library to find answers to their questions. Examples of resources they could use include Guide to the Scriptures, “Revelation” (Gospel Library); Topics and Questions, “Revelation” (Gospel Library); or Elder Gary E. Stevenson’s address titled “Promptings of the Spirit” (Liahona, Nov. 2023, 42–45).

After students have had time to search for answers, invite them to share what they found, first with a partner or small group and then with the class. (Remind students that if they didn’t yet find answers, they can continue seeking answers through prayer, counseling with those they trust, and other divinely appointed sources.)

Consider also discussing questions like the following:

• What advice would you give to other young adults with questions like yours?

• How can striving to recognize and respond to spiritual promptings strengthen your relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?

• What are examples of how the Lord has recently spoken to you through the still, small voice of the Spirit? (Caution students to not share experiences that are too personal.)

Invite students to write down steps they would like to take to better recognize or receive revelation from the Holy Ghost. Testify of the truths you have discussed today.

Return to “Learning Activity Options.”