HOCKESSIN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH7250 Lancaster Pike

Hockessin, Delaware 19707

LENTEN STUDYA WAY THROUGH THE WILDERNESS

GROWING IN FAITH WHEN LIFE IS HARD

March 1- March 29, 2020

3/1 Lesson 1: No Way Around the Wilderness3/8 Lesson 2: Entering the Wilderness3/15 Lesson 3: Walking with Others in the Wilderness3/22 Lesson 4: Walking with God in the Wilderness3/29 Lesson 5: Coming Out of the Wilderness

Session 1 No Way Around the WildernessLearning Objective:Participants will explore the meaning of the wilderness and begin to understand how their experiences in the wilderness can grow their Christian faith and bring them closer to God.

Themes for Exploration:1. A wilderness can be a physical place or a life circumstance.2. We may feel separated from God when we are in a wilderness, yet a wilderness provides an

opportunity for us to grow closer to God.3. Time spent in a wilderness can prepare us to receive God’s blessings and to prevail against life’s

challenges.4. The word most often translated as “wilderness” is eremos which means an isolated place.

Key Scripture: Deuteronomy 8:2-3Meaning: This was now the fortieth year of the Israelites coming out of Egypt and into the wilderness. God went before them in a pillar of cloud and fire, and directed their way, and now they are called upon to remember all the occurrences in the way, what favors and mercies had been bestowed upon them, what provisions had been made for them, what enemies they had been delivered from, as well as what afflictions and chastisements they faced. Christians should call to mind how they were brought to see their wilderness state and condition by nature; how they were brought out of it and stopped in their sin and turned from their evil ways and led to Christ. Christians should remember and reflect on what gracious promises have been made to them; what communion they have had with God, what food they have received, what temptations they have faced and how they were delivered out of them, and what afflictions have been laid on them and they were freed from.To humble thee;Under the mighty hand of God, to bring down the pride of their hearts and hide it from them; to lay them low in their own eyes, and clothe them with humility, that the Lord alone might be exalted: andTo prove thee;Whether they would be obedient to God’s laws, or how they would behave towards God both in prosperity and adversity, and to try their graces, their faith, and patience, fear and love:To know what was in thine heart;That is, to make it known to themselves and others; for God knew all that was in their hearts, the wickedness of it, the unbelief, rebellion, and the forwardness of it. (see 2 Chronicles 32:31)Whether thou would keep his commandments or no:Which they had in such a solemn manner promised to do. (see Deuteronomy 5:27-29)

Theological Focus:God uses the difficult, desperate times of our loves to conform us to the image of Christ, teaching us important lessons about our character and God’s character. Through suffering, persevering, and trusting God, we grow in our faith. God uses the wilderness to prepare and equip us to be like Jesus and serve a hurting and broken world in Christ’s name.

Opening Prayer

Conversation Starter1. What images come to mind when you think of a wilderness?2. What natural areas in our region and around the world come to mind when you think about a

wilderness?3. What are the characteristics of these natural areas that cause you to think of them as a

wilderness?4. How does the Bible describe the wilderness?

In the Scriptures, wilderness is used to describe a time in a person’s life when his or her soul is parched and dry; when today is hard and the future appears barren; when as far as you can see there is nothing but devastation and you wonder if you’ll find a way out.

1. What places and times in our lives might we describe as a wilderness?

Review the Video Session 1: No Way Around the Wilderness (10-15 minutes)Discuss:

1. How can the way we think before entering the wilderness hurt or help us when hard times come?

2. What do the Scriptures tell us about what we can expect from God when we are in the wilderness?

3. Do you agree that our greatest battles are inside ourselves? Why or why not? How does the wilderness help us to fight and win our inner battles?

4. How can the wilderness be compared to an unexpected test that teaches us lessons?

The ScripturesRead the Key Scripture: Deuteronomy 8:2-3Note that the term wilderness is used nearly three hundred times in the Bible.An easy or comfortable life does not create character and strength. A life without great challenges will not grow a great faith.

1. How have your experiences in the wilderness helped you grow in character and strength?2. How have these experiences grown your faith and made you more like Christ?3. Why do you think difficult and devastating experiences help us to have a deeper and more

meaningful relationship with God?

Why Does God Allow Us to Experience the Wilderness? 1. How do you answer this question?

The Wilderness Prepares us for Blessings (Genesis 16:7-11)Before God blesses us, often he allows us to go through a wilderness experience that humbles our spirit and refines our character. Then we have the maturity that can bear the blessing.

1. What are examples of God’s blessings?2. What does it mean to have a “humble spirit”?3. Why is it important to have a humble spirit?4. In what ways has God refined your character and humbled your spirit?

The Wilderness Prepares Us for Battle (Numbers 14:6-10)1. What “battles” are we as Christians called to fight today?2. How has your time in the wilderness prepared you to fight these battles?3. In what ways have trials and hardship made you a more faithful follower of Christ?

Life ApplicationWrite the following questions in a journal or notebook. Think about them for the coming week:

1. How have I rebelled against God when I have encountered challenging and devasting circumstances?

2. How can I be more open to Go’s presence and instruction during a wilderness experience?3. What blessings have I received from a wilderness experience?

A Final Reflection and Closing Prayer

Session 2 Entering the WildernessLearning Objective:Participants will explore the four entry points to a wilderness experience, discover characteristics of these four wilderness areas, and discern what pathway(s) led them into a wilderness.

Themes for Exploration1. There are a variety of reasons why we may find ourselves in a wilderness.2. Sometimes we are responsible for the fact that we remain in the wilderness.3. God can use the dry, barren times in our lives to give birth to new life and opportunities.

Key Scripture: James 1:2-4Meaning: Not the temptations of Satan, or temptations to sin, for these cannot be matters of joy, but grief; these are fiery darts, and give a great deal of uneasiness and trouble. But afflictions and persecutions for the sake of the Gospel are trials of the faith of God’s people. The writer does not command Christians to “feel happy” when trials come. He tells the reader to call it joyful, to label it as a thing worth rejoicing over. The word “count is used in some translations instead of “consider.” This is from the Greek word hegesaste, which is an accounting term. The word relates to organizing or collecting things. The writer is implying that we should enter our hardships as deposits into the checkbook of our life, not withdrawals. He is not talking about our immediate emotional response to a flat tire, or an illness, or the loss of a loved one. He is talking about how we categorize that moment when assessing our life.

Theological Focus:Sometimes an experience in the wilderness is God’s plan for us. Sometimes we experience the wilderness because of our actions or the actions of someone else. Sometimes we find ourselves in the wilderness because of events outside our control. No matter how we enter the wilderness, God is with us and will help us find a way through.

Opening PrayerReview the Video: Session 2 Entering the Wilderness (15 minutes)

Discuss1. Have you ever found yourself in the wilderness because you ignored a small problem that

became a bigger problem? In hindsight, what could you have done differently to prevent that wilderness experience?

2. How does our ability to choose how we respond to circumstances impact our wilderness experience?

3. Why do you think transitions in life are times when we are prone to have a wilderness experience?

4. Do you agree with the author that sometimes God will lead us into the wilderness as he did his own Son, Jesus? Why or why not?

5. What does the author say is the great benefit of the wilderness?6. Read Genesis 3, note that the snake, the woman, and the man all entered a wilderness when

God sent them out of the garden.7. Why did God send the serpent into the wilderness?8. Why did God send the woman into the wilderness?9. Why did God send the woman into the wilderness?10. What could the snake, the woman, and the man each haven done to prevent being sent into the

wilderness?11. What act of kindness did God perform to show his continuing care for the man and woman?

No One is immune to a wilderness experience. Both Elijah and Jesus were sent by God into the wilderness. The four entry points that can lead us into the wilderness are:Our Decisions and ActionsThe Actions of Others The Natural Flow of LifeThe Plan of God

Our Decisions and Actions1. What decisions and actions led the children of Israel into the wilderness?2. What decisions have you made and what actions have you taken that led you into a wilderness?

The Actions of OthersYou may have entered a wilderness because of what has been done to you, but you remain there because of the choices you make. With God’s help we can let go of past hurts and move out of the wilderness.

1. Have you ever entered a wilderness due to the words or actions of others?2. What choices are you making that are keeping you in a wilderness?3. What painful experiences or hurtful words do you need to let go of before you can leave this

wilderness?4. Who do you need to forgive before you can leave this wilderness?

The Natural Flow of LifeNote that unlike the first two entryways, this one is not caused by human action. This entryway comes as part of the normal course of life.

1. What feelings did you have or are you having as you experienced life events and transitions?2. In your experience, how does embracing the event or the transition help you move out of the

wilderness and into new life?The Plan of God“Sometimes a wilderness experience can be God’s plan for us. There are times when a specific purpose of God requires us to go through difficult periods of trials, struggle, and suffering.” Read James 1:2-4.

1. What do you think is God’s purpose in leading us into such a wilderness?2. How have you learned perseverance through the testing of your faith?3. Where do you find encouragement and strength to faithfully preserve through trials and

difficulties?

Life Application1. Think about your own wilderness experience(s).2. Consider which pathway(s) led you into the wilderness.3. Ask yourself if you are doing anything that is keeping you in a wilderness.4. Brainstorm possible pathways out of a wilderness.5. Write down Scripture verses that may be helpful to you on your journey.

A Final ReflectionSing or read together the hymn “How Firm a Foundation” (529 in The United Methodist Hymnal)

Closing Prayer

Session 3 Walking with Others in the WildernessLearning Objective:Participants will discern why it is important to walk with others in the wilderness and explore ways to be receptive to sharing their journey with others.

Themes for Exploration:1. God blesses us with people who can support us in the wilderness.2. We sometimes put up obstacles that prevent us from accepting help from others.3. We must forgive the people who have hurt us.4. The only opinion that really matters is God’s.

Key Scripture: “Carry each other’s burdens and so you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2Meaning: Paul is giving instructions to the Galatian Christians about how to live with each other as Spirit-powered people in Christ. He tells them, and by extension all Christians, to help carry each other’s burdens. Notice what this means: Being in Christ does not mean we won’t have burdens to carry in this earthly life. We will. One of those burdens is the weightiness of our temptation to give into sin, and the heaviness of trying to get out of it. Paul wanted us to share that burden and not battle sin and temptation on our own. We carry other burdens, and sometimes we go through seasons where those burdens are too much for us to haul around. Such burdens might include relationship issues, financial problems, illness, indecision, or emotional difficulties. God’s Spirit gives us the power to deal with these

issues, but another way God intends to provide for those in Christ is by giving us the ability to help each other.

Theological FocusGod created us to live in relationship with each other. Moses was an able leader because he knew when to ask for and accept help, and he knew when to intercede on behalf of the people. The two greatest commandments Jesus gave us are about living in relationship with God and with each other (Matthew 22:37-39).

Opening Prayer

Review the Video: Session 3 Walking with Others in the Wilderness (10-15 minutes)

Discuss1. Why is it critical to remain connected to others when we are in the wilderness? What can keep

us from reaching out to others when we are hurting?2. Why is forgiveness so important when we are in the wilderness?3. What has helped you to open your heart to others and allow them to care for you when you are

struggling?4. Who has been an instrument of God’s love and grace in your life, especially during a difficult

time?

The Scriptures:Review the story of Moses and the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-4:16). Note that Moses initially resisted God’s call to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, accepting only after God promised that Aaron would help him. Read Numbers 10:29-36. Note that this encounter takes place after the Israelites have been delivered from slavery and are sojourning in the desert. Moses has experienced God’s sustaining presence and guidance through the challenges of approaching Pharaoh and leading Israel out of Egypt.

1. How has Moses’ personality changed since resisting God’s call at the burning bush?2. What does Moses need from Hobab? 3. What does Moses want God to do at this point in the wilderness journey?4. Why do you think Moses had the wisdom and courage to ask for help?

Look to the People Who Can Help YouMoses knew his limitations, such as not being familiar with the desert landscape. We, too, need to know our limitations and ask for help when we need it as we journey through the wilderness. Listed below are four common obstacles that can be limitations for us, preventing us from moving successfully through challenging circumstances.

The first obstacle or limitation is self-pity, which can cause us to focus on our problems instead of looking at our resources.Self- pity can blind us to the people who can help us.

1. What false beliefs have you needed to let go of in the past?2. What true beliefs have taken their place?3. What false beliefs are you currently holding on to?

The second obstacle or limitation is pride.Pride makes us afraid to reach out to others. When we close ourselves off from others, we become lonely and remain in the wilderness longer than if we seek the support of others.

1. Why are we afraid of reaching out to others and sharing our situations with them openly and honestly?

2. What are things we can do to get over this fear?3. How can we build trusting friendships with one another so that when others experience a trial

or crisis, they will feel comfortable coming to us for help and support?

The third obstacle or limitation is false humility.1. What is false humility?2. What is the antidote to false humility?3. How does false humility dishonor God?

The fourth obstacle or limitation is “false spiritually”.Read Matthew 26:36-46 and 2 Timothy 4:9-18

1. Why do we hesitate to ask for help?2. To whom do you reach out for support when you experience a crisis or hardship?

Forgive the People Who Hurt You1. “If you want to move forward with God in the wilderness, you need to learn to forgive.”2. Moses forgave the people in the wilderness over and over “and continued to love and serve

them.”3. Forgiveness helps us to move out of the past and “see what God is doing in the present.”4. “Simply stated, forgiveness is letting someone who owes you something go free.”5. “We do not fix the pain in our hearts by fixing the person who put it there. We fix the pain in our

hearts by forgiving the person who put it there. That’s the way out.”

Forgiveness is one of the most difficult yet most important steps in finding our way out of the wilderness.

Let God Correct Those Who Judge You1. What is the difference between constructive criticism and calculated condemnation?2. What are healthy responses to calculated condemnation?3. What are healthy responses to constructive criticism?

Note that it is natural for us to care about what other people think of us, yet others do not always have our best interests at heart. The only person we must answer to is God. Our God is not a God of condemnation but a God of love, mercy, forgiveness, and grace. Don’t live for your critics. Live for your Creator.

Life ApplicationShare one insight you gained from this session about the importance of walking with others in the wilderness. Think about and/ or journal responses to the following questions during the week:

1. How can I be more receptive to letting others walk with me through the wilderness?2. How can I let others know that I am willing to walk with them through their wilderness?

A Final Reflection:Read Hebrews 10:25

Repeat Together: “God created us to live in relationship with each other. God blesses us with people to support and encourage us as we sojourn through a wilderness. God also calls us to bless others with our friendship and support.

Closing Prayer

Session 4 Walking with God in the WildernessLearning Objective:Participants will grow in their understanding of what it means to remain faithful as we journey through the wilderness

Themes for Exploration:1. Faith is a decision.2. If we turn away from God and seek our own way out of the wilderness, the results can be

devastating for us and the ones we love.3. We must intentionally seek God’s presence in the wilderness.

Key Scripture“I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the Lord, they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

Meaning: The Book of Jeremiah is all about God disrupting God’s people plan and upending God’s people dreams. This verse comes in the context of a shocking message from the prophet. Those left behind in Jerusalem -anchored around the temple and the throne- assume their relative fortune is a sign that God is for them, while those carted off in captivity to Babylon are seen to be under God’s curse. It’s not just those in Jerusalem who are tempted to think this way; those in Babylon are tempted to think it, too. God seems distant to them, and they seem as though they’ve been raptured away from the promises to Abraham. Jeremiah says, though, that God’s judgement will fall on Jerusalem, and that God’s purposes will spring to life through the exiles. Through Jeremiah, God is telling the exiles that their scattering isn’t accidental. God has a plan for them, plans that include even what seems chaotic and random.

Theological FocusGod has not called us to an easy life but to a faithful life. The story of our salvation begins with the call of Abraham, a call that led Abraham and Sarah straight into the wilderness. God called Abraham righteous because he remained faithful throughout the wilderness where he was tempted by Satan three times. Each time Jesus remained faithful to God. God has promised to be with us through our walks in the wilderness and to bring us out of the wilderness into new life.

Opening PrayerReview the Video: Session 4: Walking with God in the Wilderness (15 minutes)

1. When you are in the wilderness, what do you want God to do for you?2. What does it mean to walk by faith through the wilderness?3. Why is it important to distinguish between faith and feelings- especially when in the wilderness?

How can we do this?4. Two common responses to pain are to numb our feelings or try to escape them. Which of these

responses do you tend to choose? What is a better response?5. How can passion and purpose help us when we are in the wilderness?6. When and how has God spoken to you in the wilderness, giving you encouragement and hope?

What are some ways we can open our hearts and ears so that we can hear Godin the midst of difficult seasons?

The ScripturesRead the following Scriptures and discuss as a group:Jeremiah 29:11Matthew 28:20Romans 8:282 Corinthians 12:9Philippians 4:13Hebrews 13:5

1. How have you experienced these Scripture verses in your life?2. What questions do you ask God when you are in the wilderness?3. What feelings accompany these questions?

Walk in Faith“Faith is a decision to rise above our fears, our unanswered questions, and our sense of inadequacy and to trust God instead. If we listen to our feelings, we often will fail to move forward with God. But if we choose to act in faith, we will walk with God and eventually come to the place of blessing that he has for us.”

1. How do you respond to the suggestion that faith is a choice or decision?2. When have you been caught between feelings and faith?3. Where are you now in this struggle?

Walk in Obedience1. The wilderness is a time of pain and suffering.2. We may be tempted to make unwise choices to alleviate the suffering and pain, choices we

would never consider if we were not in pain. We may be tempted to make unwise choices to alleviate the suffering and pain, choices we would never consider if we were not in pain.

3. Unwise choices include turning to alcohol, drugs, an affair, and other destructive behaviors.4. Encourage anyone who is currently struggling with an unwise choice or behavior to seek the

help of a trusted friend, pastor, or counselor during the coming week.

1. What does it mean to be obedient to God?

The most important question we can ask ourselves is “What do I want?” or “What is my greatest desire?” When we find ourselves in a wilderness, staying focused on our answer to this question will help us remain obedient to God.

1. What is the difference between a need and a want?2. What was Jesus’ greatest desire (Read John 12:27-28)3. What was the Apostle Paul’s greatest desire? (Read Philippians 3:10-11)4. What was Moses greatest desire?

We can look to God for everything we need, including help in remaining obedient and faithful.

Walk in God’s Presence“Often it’s when we are in the wilderness that we have the most difficult time experiencing the fulness of God’s presence, yet this is when we need to feel his presence most.”

1. What are ways that we can be intentional about seeking God’s presence in the wilderness?2. Here are some following ideas:

Be alone with GodGo somewhere that brings life into your spirit. (walking trail, park, beach)Examine your heart and ask God to cleanse you.Continue your Christian disciplines: read your Bible, participate in worship, and serve others.

Though we may not feel God’s presence in the wilderness, God is with us and will bring us life, even in the wilderness.

Life ApplicationRead Habakkuk 3:17-18. Note that each of us may be in a different place on the continuum between feelings and faith. This is okay. The important thing is to honestly discern where we are and ask God to help us grow in faith. Our goal is to have complete trust in God.

1. Write your own statement of faith.2. Answer this question: What is your greatest desire?

A Final ReflectionA journey through the wilderness is not easy, but we are called to journey by faith. Jesus said, “I assure you that if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Go from here to there,” and it will go. There will be nothing that you can’t do” Matthew 17:20. It’s reassuring that we are called to journey with the faith that we have, remaining obedient to God’s will and intentionally seeking God’s presence. As we do this, our faith will grow, and we will draw closer to God.

Closing Prayer

Session 6 Coming Out of the Wilderness (5 th Sunday in Lent) Learning Objective:Participants will celebrate the gifts and opportunities that the wilderness offers us.

Themes for Exploration

In the wilderness we can discover our true character.In the wilderness God can change us and increase our faith.In the wilderness God gives us gifts to share with others.

Key Scripture“Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it.” (Hebrews 4:1)

Meaning: this verse continues the line of thought from chapter 3. This is made clear by use of the word “therefore,” meaning what follows is an application of what has come before. Chapter 3 used the example of Israel’s failure in the desert. There, the people failed to fully trust in God, and as a result, an entire generation was denied entry into the Promised Land. The “rest” mentioned is in the context of the prior example: Israel (Deuteronomy 25:19). This is not a metaphor for salvation, but for the promised inheritance of God’s children (Deuteronomy 12:9-11). This is the “rest” which Christians must carefully seek to obtain, and which the faithless generation of Israel was denied (Psalm 95:7-11).

Theological FocusJust as it was God’s desire that Israel journey out of the wilderness and into the promise Land, so it is God’s desire that we move out of the wilderness to a place where we can experience God’s abundant blessings and share these blessings with others.

Opening Prayer

Conversation StarterWhat has been most difficult about a time in the wilderness?What has been your greatest hope as you walked in the wilderness?If you have moved out of the wilderness, what are one or two words that describe your experience there?

Review the Video: Session 6: Coming Out of the Wilderness (15 minutes)

1. How does the wilderness serve us well if it “breaks” us? What are some things we need to be broken off in order to help others once we leave the wilderness?

2. In what ways is the wilderness like a good friend who tells us what we need to hear?3. What lessons are you grateful for learning in the wilderness?

The ScripturesRead Hebrews 4:1 aloud from several different versions of the Bible. Note that the author of Hebrews compares “the promise of entering his rest” with God’s promise to the Israelites that they would enter the Promise Land at the end of their wilderness journey (see Hebrews 3:16-4:2). For the Israelites, the place of “rest” was a specific place. Note also that this place of “rest” may mean something different for each of us. It may mean a

1. Physical place like a new home or a new city.2. Spiritual place beyond our grief or bitterness.3. Place of freedom from addiction.4. Place of new or healed relationships.

1. Where or what is the place of rest you hope to enter when you leave the wilderness?

2. Note that we find hope in the knowledge that “the promise of entering his rest still stands.”3. Read the second part of Hebrews 4:1 again.4. How do you need to be careful so that you do not fall short of entering this place of rest?

The Wilderness Will Reveal Your HeartNote that “nothing we have ever done has been out of character.” In the wilderness we can learn more about our true character, both our weaknesses and our strengths.

1. What weaknesses in your character and faith have you discovered in the wilderness?2. Are you surprised by these discoveries? Why or why not?3. What strengths in your character and faith have you discovered in the wilderness?4. Are you surprised by these discoveries? Why or why not?5. Are you at the point where you can say that the wilderness is “your friend”?

The Wilderness Will Change You“Long after the struggle is over and our circumstances have changed for the better, we can leave the wilderness but not truly step into that place of rest that God has promised. You see, it’s possible for us to come out of the wilderness but for the wilderness to remain in us.”

“The most difficult days of our lives can be the times when we learn to trust God in a new way and care more deeply for others who are suffering and needy.”

1. How has the wilderness changed you?2. What other changes are you hoping for in your faith and relationship with God?

The Wilderness Will Give You a Gift to Share1. What gifts is the wilderness able to give you that you can share with others?2. What does it mean to be “strong of spirit and soft of heart”?3. How can you be the presence of God to others?

Life ApplicationAs a way of review, answer the following questions:

1. What is a wilderness?2. Why do people end up there?3. What are we supposed to learn when we’re there?4. How can we learn those lessons quickly so we can get out of the wilderness as soon as possible?

A Final ReflectionShare insights you have gained through this study.Lift up special moments you and the participants shared during your time together.Share your hopes for the participants, either as a class or as individuals.

Closing PrayerGod of the wilderness, God of the Promised Land, thank you for faithfully keeping your promise to always be with us. Thank you for the lessons we can learn in the wilderness and for the assurance that you will indeed bring us out of the wilderness. Thank you for the friendships we have made as we have

studied this lesson together. As we continue to grow in our faith, guide our steps and lead us to those places where we can serve you and share your blessings with others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.