Trusting God Through Crisis

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Trusting God Through Crisis

Where do you turn for wisdom during times of change and tension? The Bible offers several examples, but one of the best books to read is 1 Samuel. This book records the Israelite transition politically, relationally, and spiritually. God’s people moved from a tribal system to a monarchy and encountered tremendous difficulties along the way. Their leaders Eli, Samuel, Saul, and David struggled as much as the people did to make sense of their world. The people complained through the leadership changes from judges, to priests, to prophets, and then a king.

Along the way, however, they learned to trust the same God who brought them out of Egypt, invited them to worship on Mt. Sinai, and stayed with them as they settled the land. As they obeyed God’s voice, they grew to trust him more as their world changed. God used the crises to renew the people’s faith in him, and he continually forgave, redeemed, and called them to bear witness to God alone.

As our world continues to change, we trust in the constant support of a loving God who calls us to remain loyal to him. Our study of 1 Samuel on Wednesday nights will remind us why and call us to learn from the Israelites’ success and failure. Our times are no more challenging than those of 1 Samuel. By turning to God’s word, we discover wisdom and insight to help us obey today. Join us each Wednesday night at 6 p.m. for this summer Bible study series.

  • June 17: Trusting God through Crisis: A Study of 1 Samuel
    1 Samuel challenges us to trust in God as the true King of our lives during times of crisis, change, and renewal. We take a look at the big picture of this fascinating book of the Old Testament
  • June 24: A Tale of Two Families (1 Samuel 1-2)
    Eli’s family and Hannah’s Family provide two different ways to respond to God during crisis
  • July 1: When People Disappoint You (1 Samuel 8:1-22)
    The word people comes from the Greek word “polis.” It’s also the root word for “political.” A group of organized people often disappoint us, especially our leaders. How do we trust God when people disappoint us?
  • July 8: When Following God’s Leadership is Difficult (1 Samuel 13:1-14)
    No sooner has Saul been anointed king than he’s already trying to take matters into his own hands; and Samuel is not very helpful either. How do we trust God and follow his leadership without triangulating our leaders?
  • July 15: Competition for Trust in God (1 Samuel 16-17)
    God intervenes in the downward spiral of Saul by raising up an unlikely successor, but it takes a battle for control of the crops for people to trust in the true God.
  • July 22: Friendship for Facing the Giants (1 Samuel 20:35-42)
    When the going gets tough, the tough make friends with their rivals. At least that’s how it was for David and Jonathan. What lessons can be learned from the unlikeliest of friends?
  • July 29: Saving Yourself from Yourself (1 Samuel 25:18-31)
    David learns wisdom while waiting to become king. What can be avoided and learned while we wait?