Beyond the Weekend: EPIC
Stories of Trust, Failure and Faith That Point to Jesus
What does it look like to believe God, not just believe in God? This fall, we're diving into the raw, unfiltered stories of biblical heroes who wrestled with doubt, took dangerous detours, and discovered that trusting God means following him even when you can't see the outcome. Their epic journeys of trust, failure and faith all point to the ultimate hero—Jesus.
Key Messaging Points:
- There's a difference between believing in God and believing God
- God speaks in life's detours and disruptions
- Wrestling with God transforms us
- Trusting God means obeying before you see the outcome
- Every story of human struggle points to Jesus
Partial Obedience
Read: Judges 4:6-10 Listen: Judges 4
Barak said to her, “If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.” Judges 4:8
The Israelites call out to God for deliverance again. After twenty years of oppression under Jabin, the king of Canaan, they are still stuck in the same sinful pattern. God raises up Deborah to lead and deliver his people from Canaanite oppression. As part of God’s work to free the Israelites, God calls on Barak, an associate of Deborah, to meet Jabin in battle. Barak, however, is skittish and commits to going only if Deborah goes with him. His delay is partial obedience, which is actually disobedience.
We can be like Barak, putting off our obedience by delay or conditions. We often do so because of fear, doubt or outright rebellion. Maybe we hold a grudge and remain unwilling to forgive: “I will forgive that person if I can get even with them.” Or maybe we refuse to make necessary changes when we know it’s right: “I will stop looking at those websites once I get married.” Partial or delayed obedience is disobedience. However, choosing to obey God’s command unlocks the best life God has in mind for us.
TODAY: Consider how you might be delaying obedience. Identify an area of your life where you need to take an intentional step of obedience, without delay. Ask God for help, and then take the necessary steps of obedience right away. If you would like help on the journey of living an obedient life, consider joining one of our new four-week Courageous Faith Groups. More information is available HERE.
You can also explore Deborah’s story further on the Beyond the Weekend Podcast—find it wherever you listen to podcasts or on YouTube HERE.
