Series Overview
People build their lives on all kinds of stories: Acing every test. Being the funny kid. Keeping the peace. Doing enough good things. But every single one of those foundations, alone, will crumble. The only safe story on which to build is the true story of a God who created us and loves us so much that when we turned away, God continued to pursue us. God chose a people and promised through them to bless the whole world. And God fulfilled that promise by sending Jesus to rescue and redeem us. When we begin to understand this story and allow it to inform everything in our lives, we can live from a place of quiet confidence, knowing God is always with us and is able to work every single thing we face into a beautiful pattern for our good. This month, we’re exploring some larger-than-life characters from God’s story who lived during the decline of Israel and Judah and the following exile. These individuals chose to—or failed to— place the full weight of their lives on trust in God. Through stories of Elijah, Jonah, Daniel, Esther, and Nehemiah we see how making choices from a foundation of trust changes everything about the way you live.
Memory Verse
“Those who trust in the LORD will receive new strength. They will fly as high as eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not grow weak.” – Isaiah 40:31, NIRV
Week One (November 2)
Elijah + The Prophets of Baal
Bible Story: 1 Kings 18:16-45
Bottom Line: God can do the impossible
Conversation Starter: What seems impossible to you?
Application: Confidence – Living like you believe God is with you.
Insight: Identity Based on God’s Image – I’m created in the image of God + have unique potential/worth
We start off with Elijah on Mount Carmel. King Ahab had led the people far from God—and for three years, the land had received no rain. But Elijah was so confident in God that he challenged 450 prophets of Baal to a duel-by-fire-from heaven. These prophets placed their confidence in a false god. But when Elijah called out to the one true God, the answer was explosive!
Week Two (November 9)
Jonah
Bible Story: Jonah 1-3
Bottom Line: God knows what’s best
Conversation Starter: What keeps people from doing their best?
Application: Confidence – Living like you believe God is with you.
Insight: Identity Based on God’s Image – I’m created in the image of God + have unique potential/worth
During Week 2, we’ll meet a prophet known for his lack of confidence. God told Jonah to go preach to Israel’s enemies. But Jonah didn’t trust God to take care of him—so he hopped onboard a ship heading in the opposite direction. A storm blew up, and Jonah ended up in the belly of a giant fish. Jonah cried out to God and was spit up on dry land. But when he reluctantly traveled to Ninevah and the people actually repented, Jonah just about choked on sour grapes, unable to handle God’s mercy to his enemies.
Week Three (November 16)
Daniel + The Lions’ Den
Bible Story: Daniel 6
Bottom Line: God is always with you.
Conversation Starter: When have you felt alone?
Application: Confidence – Living like you believe God is with you.
Insight: Identity Based on God’s Image – I’m created in the image of God + have unique potential/worth
In Week 3, we discover that Judah was conquered and many Israelites taken to Babylon, including Daniel. But even though Daniel grew up in a foreign nation, he placed all his confidence in the one true God. Because of his wisdom from God, Daniel was given a position of authority by several kings. But as an old man, he faced an incredibly difficult choice—to pray to an earthly king or to continue placing his confidence in God alone… which would mean a trip to the lion’s den.
Week Four (November 23)
Esther
Bible Story: Esther
Bottom Line: God can help you stand up for others
Conversation Starter: When has someone stood up for you?
Application: Confidence – Living like you believe God is with you.
Insight: Identity Based on God’s Image – I’m created in the image of God + have unique potential/worth
Next up, in Week 4, we’re back in foreign lands with the story of Esther. After catching King Xerxes’ eye, Esther was made queen. But when a plot was set in motion that would destroy all the Jewish exiles in Persia, Esther knew that even her royal position couldn’t save her. So relying on her confidence in God, she went before the king to beg for the lives of her people.
Week Five (November 30)
Nehemiah
Bible Story: Nehemiah 1-4; 6:1-15
Bottom Line: God can help you do the big things
Conversation Starter: What do you need help with?
Application: Confidence – Living like you believe God is with you.
Insight: Identity Based on God’s Image – I’m created in the image of God + have unique potential/worth
We wrap up with Nehemiah, who served as an advisor to King Artaxerxes. But when he received news that the walls of Jerusalem were broken down, Nehemiah’s heart broke, too. He boldly asked the king for permission to return to his homeland and rebuild. Once Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem, he discovered the job was bigger than he imagined. But with confidence that God would be with them, Nehemiah rallied the people for an epic building project.