1. Describe a time when you felt "backed in a corner."  What contributed to you feeling out of options or without a way forward?  If you eventually found your way out, how did that happen?
2. Moses tells the Israelites, "Do not be afraid, stand firm, and see what God will do" (Exodus 14:13).
   1. Why would it be important to "not be afraid" when we're backed in a corner?  What problems can fear create in our lives?
   2. Why might we want to "stand firm" when we already feel trapped?  What do we stand firm on?
   3. When we're backed in a corner, our first thoughts might be:  "What can *I* do?" or "What can another person do to help me?"  Moses says to see what *God* will do.  Can you remember a time when God led you out of a trapped place?
3. If you are "backed in a corner" in a place where you feel unsafe, ask for help.  Talk to a trusted adult.  The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233.

Week of September 20, 2020

As we focus on the Exodus in worship this week and next, take a chapter a day to read the story of how God set the Israelites free.

Monday:  Exodus 7.  God performs miracles through Moses and Aaron – but Pharaoh’s people replicate similar looking tricks.  How do we tell when something is a miracle from God, and when it’s not.

Tuesday:  Exodus 8.  More plagues come to Egypt… and God hardens Pharaoh’s heart.  What do we make of this?  Have you ever felt your heart “hardened”?  What spiritual disciplines might keep our hearts soft and open to new direction? 

Wednesday:   Exodus 9.  Even more plagues!  Pharaoh almost lets the Israelites go… but when the thunder and hail stops, Pharaoh changes his mind.  Have you ever made a resolution only to change your mind when the problem cleared up?  Are you being called to make a hard but good change now?

Thursday:  Exodus 10.  The ninth plague is complete darkness.  How would this be worse than locusts or boils or disease? 

Friday:  Exodus 11-12.  The last plague is announced and prepared for:  the death of the firstborn.  The blood of a lamb is a sign that this plague will “pass over” the Israelites.  Jesus would later be crucified during the Passover festival.  How does Christ’s death allow for a “passing over” for us?

Saturday:  Exodus 13-14.  God leads the Israelites through a pillar smoke during the day and fire at night.  How does God guide you?  Set an alarm to ring several times today – maybe at 9am, 12pm, 3pm, and 6pm.  Each time it rings, say this prayer:  “God, I want to be led by you.  As I go into the next few hours, help me see where you are leading, and give me the courage to follow.”