MISSION GROUP QUESTIONS FROM EXODUS: PEOPLE OF PILGRIMAGE - 2/8/09

Rich Darnton took us through our next chunk from the book of Exodus, looking at the theme of "God The Rescuer" from chapters 4-12. He made 6 points from the passage.

(1) God hears the cries of his people and is concerned (Ch3.7).

(2) God loves impossible situations because he “gets to strut his stuff” (Ch6.6).

(3) Things can look like they are getting worse instead of better (Ch5.21 + 6.22).

(4) God rescues in ways that are completely different from what we expect.

(5) Faith is required to enter into what God is doing.

(6) It is not just rescue God does, it more than that….stupendous blessing.

Rich ended by issuing us with a HEALTH WARNING. Often in scripture God does not always want to take us out of our tough situations because he wants to use adversity to teach us. James 1.2-5 tells us we learn to persevere in trials which make us mature and complete. God uses adversity for the benefit of his children. So when faced with a tough situation we should on the one hand pray for God to move but on the other hand trust him that he’ll provide everything we need to persevere in the adversity. Often when faced with tough situations we can can stop crying out because you don’t think God cares. This passage reminds us not to make that mistake.

Questions for discussion
- Which of Richs 6 points did you find encouraging, challenging or comforting for situations you are facing at the moment? Why?
- How do you respond to tough situations? How does James 1.2-5 help you? (see also Romans 5.1-5, 1 Peter 1.3-8 + Hebrews 12.4-12).
- What can you learn from a situation you are currently in? How is God maturing you through adversity?
- How can you help each other (in future) to not to think God isn’t working when life is tough?