Series: Finding Home in the Unknown

As the period of exile came to a close for God’s ancient people in the Bible, they were reminded of how God had walked them through even their darkest of times. How can we do the same? How can we root ourselves in God’s love and guidance, and celebrate his presence with others? This week we’ll read a famous story of a prophet named Ezra in the Bible as he and his people are overwhelmed by God’s goodness – and learn how we can have that same experience.

One minute, the things of life are falling into place and you’re gaining momentum. The next, a curveball comes your way that forces you to rethink your whole life plan. Where is God in those moments of unexpected complication? How does he respond to the breakdowns and pitfalls of our lives? Can God use us, even when we’re facing situations and challenges, we didn’t plan for? This week we’ll read the inspiration story of Esther from the Bible and learn that God isn’t held back by our unexpected challenges; instead, he wants to use you exactly where you are today.

We often incorrectly assume that when we face challenging situations, it must be a sign that God is distant. The truth we learn in the Bible is just the opposite: God never leaves us, and we can often feel his presence the most when we’re in the midst of our greatest challenges. This week we’ll read the famous Bible story of 3 friends who faced an extreme risk, but as they faced it together, got to experience God in miraculous and powerful way.

In a world where disagreement is common, it can be easy to use our morals and values as a tool to insulate ourselves from others. God’s plan for his people is quite the opposite: his desire is that by living out his values, we’d be able to share his love and comfort with everyone. This week we’ll see how an ancient young prophet from the Old Testament, Daniel, went from being a scholar in captivity to a blessing to an entire nation because he lived and shared God’s values.

Have you ever had the feeling that you’re a stranger living in a strange land? Have you ever felt like you’re not quite at home in today’s culture? These feelings can be small annoyances, but they can also lead to major worry and anxiety as we seek to live in a world that can seem hostile or uncaring. During this 5-week series, we’ll explore a period of biblical history in which God’s people were conquered, removed from their homeland, and forced to live in exile, under the thumb of foreign rulers. They experienced, first-hand, what it meant to wrestle against their surroundings, yet still feel and share God’s love and hope. Though every feeling of exile is challenging, we’ll learn how it’s also an opportunity for followers of God to embrace their true connection to him and grow the ability to see themselves as citizens of God’s Kingdom