Episode 104 – Grapes in the Desert Pt 4: Trusting God
Key Passage(s): Exodus 13:21; Exodus 14:10-12
You’re not where you were, and you’re not where you’re going to be. You’re in between. Welcome to the wilderness. It’s in these ambiguous spaces where we either become who God is inviting us to be or we shrink into the smaller, more manageable stories we write for ourselves. Because it’s easier to be a slave in Egypt than to trust God in the desert. But no one aspires to be the person who shrinks. We want to learn to trust well and become all God intended for us to be. This teaching will give you practical ways to grow your trust in God in hard times.
Discussion Questions
- What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching?
- How do you feel about the statement, “It’s easier to be a slave in Egypt than to trust God in the desert?” In what ways have you experienced that to be true in your life?
- What are one or two moments from your life where you felt like you really trusted God? What made your trust level so high in those moments?
- What are some of the small, daily ways you choose to trust in yourself instead of in God?
- What sliding door moments are before you now? How will you engage them?
- How will you begin living out the truths of this teaching this week?
For Further Study
- The Bible and the Land by Gary M. Burge – Chapter 3 is on the desert
- The Land Between by Jeff Manion – Outstanding book on navigating the deserts of our lives
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Hi Brad
Thanks again for great teaching. The Teaching Series is a real help leading our home group during this difficult time. Your reference to ‘green and brown’ lead me back to Episode 35: ‘He will lead me in green pastures. Very applicable for today. I am feeling very guilty as lockdown is not affecting us much, as we have a comfortable house and a garden to enjoy, plus we live on the edge of the city with lots of county walks from our front door. In fact, my husband and I feel we are thriving as we have so much more time to spend with God; reading the Bible, praying, discussing what we read, etc.
You have reminded me that it is OK to enjoy God’s good gifts as long as I remember to thank Him for them.
This is what God has been trying to tell me, but Satan keeps whispering negativity in my ear.
Thanksgiving is going to be the theme of our meeting tomorrow. Despite everything going on in the world right now, both very good and very bad, we have much to be thankful for. Praise God.
Thank you for sharing these thoughts, Roslyn.
Yes, it’s a gift to enjoy God’s provision in that way, and gratitude rules the day. Grateful that you’ve experienced those blessings in this season, Roslyn. And yes, no guilt!
Thanks so much for sharing your profound knowledge. It is your Walking the text series that is helping me get by these days. I have been struggling a lot of things happening all around us. Trusting God is easier said than done during these difficult situations but your videos uplifts me and teaches me how to overcome these challenges. I truly appreciate the wisdom that God conveys through you.
I just listened to all 4 of the Grapes in the Desert podcasts. They speak exactly to where I am (and many people are). I feel like I am in the land of in between. I want to make good use of this space but struggle to know how to process what has been and where God might be taking me. These lessons are helpful to put things into perspective – to lament as well as be grateful. To trust that there are grapes to enjoy in the barren season. To look for sliding doors of opportunity.
God bless you for sharing what God has shared with you.
Kristine, deeply grateful that God has met you in this series and you’re finding it to be really helpful. Thanks for sharing.
I have been searching for new artwork to go along with my Restoration of all things Shalom walking the text out daily picture I had designed. Corrie Ten quote “never be afraid to trust an unknown future with a known God,” I believe I found it. Thanks Brad
It’s a stellar quote!