Out of Egypt

May 11, 2020

DAILY READING

Exodus 13:17-40

FIELD NOTES

When I had just graduated college, I went on staff with a national college ministry.  I had been an active leader during my years in college, and thought this was the next logical step in my ministry development.

But here’s the thing.  It wasn’t.  I had some serious theological issues with the organization.  In college I had justified my experience with them because at my school they were basically the only game in town. I also only pursued this because I didn’t want to venture outside of my comfort zone.  I knew this ministry and how it worked and had developed a reputation as a leader.  And finally, I liked this girl who was on staff.  Isn’t that what it almost always boils down to?

So I went on staff and immediately knew I had made the wrong choice.  Through training and my first year, I was incredibly anxious.  I knew what I was doing was not the path for me, and yet I pursued it.  I had no peace.  I didn’t sleep.  I ate my feelings and gained a lot of weight.  

It was one of the worst years of my life.  I had no peace. Even after leaving staff, this lack of peace haunted me for years until I submitted to what I knew I was supposed to do all along—seminary.  

QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD

• What decisions in your life have led to a lack of peace? Or an abundance of peace?

FAMILY FIELD TALK

• What does the phrase, “peace of mind,” mean?

PRAYER GUIDE

Lord, may we seek your ways over ours, that we may be at peace.  Amen.  

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT CHALLENGE

For the duration of our sermon series, we are offering daily prompts for applying the wisdom from the scriptures to our everyday lives. Each week focuses on how we can encourage those around us and bear fruit! This week we are focusing on the fruit of peace.

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:7

Reflect on a time that you or someone you know has experienced God’s peace that is above all understanding. Who can you encourage today by sharing that story?

To learn more about the Fruit of the Spirit challenge, click here.