Embracing Growth in Life's Wilderness Experiences
Summary
In our journey through life, we often find ourselves in uncharted territories, much like the Israelites who wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. These moments, where we go "off map," require us to develop new skills and rely on God in ways we never have before. The wilderness is a place of testing and growth, where God teaches us valuable lessons that we might not learn otherwise. It's crucial not to waste these wilderness experiences, as they are opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper trust in God.
The Israelites' journey was filled with tests, and their failure to learn from these tests prolonged their time in the wilderness. Similarly, in our lives, we face various tests—emotional, relational, and spiritual. It's important to ask God, "What do you want me to learn?" rather than seeking a quick escape. God uses these tests to build our faith and trust in Him, just as He did with the Israelites.
One of the key lessons from the wilderness is the danger of entitlement. Entitlement is a trap that can lead to dissatisfaction and complaining, as seen in the Israelites' constant grumbling. Complaining doesn't solve problems; it amplifies them and spreads discord. Instead, we should cultivate gratitude and trust in God's provision, recognizing that He meets our needs daily.
Moreover, the wilderness is a place where we can discover the treasure of God's presence. The Israelites carried the wealth of Egypt with them, but the true treasure was God's presence among them. In our uncharted journeys, we must seek the treasure of a relationship with Jesus, who offers us eternal life and abundant life now. Trusting in Jesus and following Him is the ultimate treasure that guides us through the wilderness.
As we navigate our own uncharted paths, let us embrace the lessons of the wilderness, avoid the trap of entitlement, and seek the treasure of a deeper relationship with God. By doing so, we can trust that God will lead us through and out of our wilderness experiences, providing for us every step of the way.
Key Takeaways:
- Don't Waste the Wilderness: Every wilderness experience is an opportunity for growth. Instead of seeking a way out, ask God what He wants you to learn. The Israelites' journey was prolonged because they failed to learn from their tests. Embrace the wilderness as a place of testing and growth. [07:14]
- Life is a Test: Life is filled with various tests—emotional, relational, and spiritual. These tests are opportunities to build our faith and trust in God. Like the Israelites, we must learn to trust and obey God, even when it's difficult. [08:58]
- Avoid the Entitlement Trap: Entitlement leads to dissatisfaction and complaining. The Israelites' constant grumbling didn't solve their problems; it amplified them. Cultivate gratitude and trust in God's provision, recognizing that He meets our needs daily. [12:46]
- Discover the Treasure: The true treasure in the wilderness is God's presence. The Israelites carried the wealth of Egypt, but the real treasure was God's presence among them. Seek a deeper relationship with Jesus, who offers eternal life and abundant life now. [22:50]
- Trust in God's Provision: God promises to meet our needs, not necessarily our wants. Like the Israelites, we must trust God daily for our provision. Jesus taught us to pray for our daily bread, reminding us of our dependence on God. [25:45]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:47] - Going Off Map
- [03:50] - Personal Wilderness Experiences
- [04:50] - Survival Tactics from Israel's Journey
- [07:14] - Don't Waste the Wilderness
- [07:59] - Tests of Faithfulness
- [08:58] - Life is a Test
- [09:56] - Delayed Obedience is Disobedience
- [12:46] - Avoid the Entitlement Trap
- [14:31] - Complaining and Entitlement
- [16:23] - God's Provision Despite Complaints
- [19:47] - Discovering the Treasure
- [21:52] - Treasure in the Wilderness
- [22:50] - True Treasure: God's Presence
- [24:33] - Generous Hearts and Giving
- [25:45] - Trust in God's Provision
- [26:58] - Invitation to Follow Jesus
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Exodus 15:24-25
2. Exodus 16:4
3. Philippians 2:14
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Observation Questions:
1. In Exodus 15:24-25, what was the Israelites' reaction to the bitter water, and how did God respond to their complaint? [07:59]
2. According to Exodus 16:4, what was the purpose of God providing manna from heaven, and how did it serve as a test for the Israelites? [08:58]
3. How does Philippians 2:14 relate to the Israelites' behavior in the wilderness, and what does it instruct believers to do? [16:23]
4. What examples of entitlement and complaining were highlighted in the sermon, and how did these attitudes affect the Israelites' journey? [12:46]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What lessons can be drawn from the Israelites' prolonged journey in the wilderness due to their failure to learn from God's tests? [07:14]
2. How does the concept of "delayed obedience is disobedience" apply to the Israelites' experience and to our own spiritual journeys? [09:56]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that entitlement can be a trap, and how might this mindset hinder spiritual growth? [12:46]
4. How does the sermon describe the true treasure found in the wilderness, and what does it mean to seek a deeper relationship with Jesus as the ultimate treasure? [22:50]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent "wilderness" experience in your life. What lessons do you think God wanted you to learn from it, and how can you apply those lessons moving forward? [07:14]
2. Consider a situation where you might have delayed obedience to God's instructions. How can you take steps to respond more promptly and faithfully in the future? [09:56]
3. Identify areas in your life where you might feel entitled. How can you shift your mindset to cultivate gratitude and trust in God's provision? [12:46]
4. Think about a time when you found yourself complaining. How did it affect your perspective and relationships, and what can you do to foster a more positive and grateful attitude? [16:23]
5. How can you actively seek the "treasure" of a deeper relationship with Jesus in your daily life? What specific practices or habits can you incorporate to grow closer to Him? [22:50]
6. In what ways can you trust God for your daily needs, and how can this trust impact your approach to challenges and uncertainties? [25:45]
7. Reflect on the idea of God providing for the Israelites daily. How can this concept of daily dependence on God influence your prayer life and reliance on Him? [25:45]
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace the Wilderness as a Growth Opportunity
In life, we often find ourselves in situations that feel like a wilderness—uncharted, challenging, and sometimes overwhelming. These experiences are not to be wasted; they are opportunities for growth and transformation. Just as the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, facing tests and trials, we too encounter moments that test our faith and character. Instead of seeking a quick escape, it's important to ask God what He wants us to learn during these times. The wilderness is a place of testing and growth, where God teaches us valuable lessons that we might not learn otherwise. Embrace these experiences as opportunities to deepen your trust in God and to develop new skills and perspectives. [07:14]
Deuteronomy 8:2-3 (ESV): "And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not. And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord."
Reflection: Think of a current challenge in your life. What might God be trying to teach you through this experience, and how can you embrace it as an opportunity for growth?
Day 2: Life's Tests Build Faith and Trust
Life is filled with various tests—emotional, relational, and spiritual. These tests are not meant to break us but to build our faith and trust in God. The Israelites faced numerous tests during their journey, and their failure to learn from these tests prolonged their time in the wilderness. Similarly, we must learn to trust and obey God, even when it's difficult. Each test is an opportunity to deepen our relationship with God and to grow in our faith. Instead of viewing challenges as obstacles, see them as opportunities to strengthen your trust in God and to grow in your spiritual journey. [08:58]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Identify a recent test or trial you have faced. How did you respond, and what steps can you take to trust God more fully in similar situations in the future?
Day 3: Cultivate Gratitude to Avoid Entitlement
Entitlement is a dangerous trap that can lead to dissatisfaction and complaining. The Israelites' constant grumbling in the wilderness didn't solve their problems; it amplified them and spread discord. Instead of falling into the trap of entitlement, we should cultivate gratitude and trust in God's provision. Recognize that God meets our needs daily and that complaining only serves to magnify our problems. By focusing on gratitude, we can shift our perspective and find contentment in God's provision, even in challenging circumstances. [12:46]
Philippians 2:14-15 (ESV): "Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent situation where you found yourself complaining. How can you shift your perspective to one of gratitude and trust in God's provision?
Day 4: Seek the Treasure of God's Presence
In the wilderness, the true treasure is not material wealth but the presence of God. The Israelites carried the wealth of Egypt with them, but the real treasure was God's presence among them. In our uncharted journeys, we must seek the treasure of a relationship with Jesus, who offers us eternal life and abundant life now. Trusting in Jesus and following Him is the ultimate treasure that guides us through the wilderness. By prioritizing our relationship with God, we can find peace and purpose even in the most challenging circumstances. [22:50]
Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Reflection: Consider how you can prioritize your relationship with God today. What specific steps can you take to seek His presence and treasure it above all else?
Day 5: Trust in God's Daily Provision
God promises to meet our needs, not necessarily our wants. Like the Israelites, we must trust God daily for our provision. Jesus taught us to pray for our daily bread, reminding us of our dependence on God. Trusting in God's provision requires faith and a willingness to rely on Him for our needs. By focusing on God's faithfulness and provision, we can find peace and contentment in His care, even when our circumstances are uncertain. [25:45]
Matthew 6:31-33 (ESV): "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you struggle to trust God's provision. How can you actively choose to rely on Him for your needs today?
Quotes
Richard and Judy Pettis and their family have actually been members at the Springs for 15 years. And so man we're excited and Coach we're coming your way. And there are so many people that are talking about next week down there. Right. And so it's going to be, it's going to be historical. Not hysterical, historical. But be praying for everything that goes on. It's going to be a powerful weekend. You know we're in this whole Uncharted journey and this series we've been in Uncharted and the season that we are stepping into is Uncharted. And this week we're talking about we're following the nation of Israel. [00:00:31] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
This week, we're talking about going off map. Now, when we say going off map, going off map literally means there is no map. You know, there are no clear roads, nobody's been there before, and we're off map. It's kind of like, to put it in some of our vernacular, maybe some of you would understand, it's kind of like man versus wild, Bear Grylls. How many of you remember that? Both of you? Okay. It's like, I mean, seriously, Bear Grylls, this guy, right? He had a different skill set, and going off map requires a different skill set, but most of us don't want to ever use his skill set. [00:01:25] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
But going off map requires you to do things you've never done before. And how do we get through? The nation of Israel, they went off map and entered into the wilderness. And the wilderness was definitely off map. They spent 40 years in the wilderness. And I don't know, have you ever... Have you ever been there? I mean, have you ever gone off map to a place that you'd never been before and you didn't ever think you would be? What does that look like in our lives? [00:03:24] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
It's like walking into a rehab facility for the first time when your addiction has taken you to the bottom. It's like walking into a counselor's office with your... spouse because your marriage is unraveling and you don't know what to do. I mean, it could be about like a life transition that you move to a new city or a new state and you have a new neighborhood and maybe it's a new school that you're going to. It's, there's a little bit of excitement about it, but there's also this level of fear. Like, what do I do? How do I build a life? [00:04:01] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
you're gonna do another lap in eighth and i think the same thing is true for christ followers it's like you know what if you don't take the test or you don't or you keep failing the test you're going to do another lap in the wilderness because that's exactly what the Israelites did. They were failing test after test. Here's a question that we all need to ask in our own wilderness. God, what do you want me to learn? And we're not looking to learn anything usually. We're looking for a way out. But God's way out is learning. [00:07:15] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And, and that's what we need to know in our life and our relationship with God. Because how does, if we feel that way about our kids, how does our heavenly father feel about us when we say, I don't feel like it, or, you know, I don't think I'm going to do that. Or, you know, I got a better idea. Delayed obedience is disobedience. And, and that's, that's where they were constantly, you know, saying no, no, no. And, and yet Christianity is always, it's based on obedience. It's not based on feelings. And when we learn that we grow because we're trusting God more with more and more often. And that's where your faith grows. That's where you realize that he really is trustworthy. [00:11:25] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Quicksand will take you down. There is some, it's very rare, but if you find it, it will take you down, but it will not take you out because your lungs have a buoyancy to them. And, you know, so what, but, you know, the truth is it is a trap and entitlement will take you down. It will lower your standard of living. It, uh, because entitlement is the mindset. I deserve it. It's, uh, you know, and one of the warning signs, if you want to know whether you're struggling with entitlement, one of the warning signs is complaining. If you're a complainer, you're probably entitled. [00:13:48] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
constant complaining and complaining doesn't change a thing complaining just amplifies frustration it spreads disunity and discord and that's why i think paul wrote in philippians 2 because it's it's a problem then it wasn't a new testament it is today philippians 2 14 says do everything without complaining and arguing so that no one can criticize you don't don't be a whiner nobody wants to hang out with whiners right we we all get that and uh i used to think that people complained because they had a lot of problems but what i've realized is that people have a lot of problems because they complain and it's like when we complain what we're saying is i am the king of my universe my needs are more important than your needs and i have rights and i deserve what i want and that's i mean that that's entitled and even here's the crazy thing even with all the entitlements and all the whining and complaining they did here's the crazy part god still provided for them everything they needed god still sent manna god still sent quail god still gave water manna god still sent manna god still gave water [00:17:00] (85 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
manna quail and water every day for two million people for 40 years i mean that when you understand that now here's the thing god god always promised to meet their needs he didn't promise a feast he promised enough for each day and he still does matter of fact there were some that disobeyed and they said ah man we're going to get as much as we can and we're going to store it we're going to hoard it but after a day it rotted and started smelling because god said every day i want you to trust me every day in every way and he still says that i mean god god gives us when jesus taught the the lord's prayer he said give us this day our daily bread you know what what we need and philippians he said god will meet all of your needs according to his riches and glory not not your wants i mean he's it's like this constant god i'm dependent on you god i trust you and he wants us to learn in our wilderness to trust him every day for everything and so then the the third [00:19:49] (84 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
lesson we take away from the wilderness is discovery of the treasure. There's a treasure in every wilderness. And we, I don't know, I don't know if y 'all are like us, but like when we're watching TV and you read an article and somebody discovered a treasure. And it was like, when Teddy and I, I don't know how many years back, decades probably, we were watching like the antique roadshow stuff. And I watched as these people brought something to this professional and said, hey, I found this like in my grandmother's attic. I don't even know what it is. And they said, oh, it's worth $4 million. [00:21:12] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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