9.40 Mix Starter

Facilitator: In advance of the session

Review today’s scripture text and the session activities to help better facilitate the discussion.
Have the Bible Background Video ready to view.
Encourage your group to listen to the Faithelement podcast ahead of the next session (Share the link via email or social media).

Begin by asking:

When have you found it easy to trust God for something you needed?
What about a time when you found it hard to trust God… or maybe even think to turn to God?
What makes the difference and why?
When – or for what things – is it generally easier or harder to trust in God?

Read Exodus 17:1-7, then watch the Bible Background Video.

Ask questions like these:

What do you picture when you think a group of this size, age span and personalties all journeying through the wilderness?
In a situation of no water, how does desperation factor in to the way people behave?
In verse 5, the Lord tells Moses to go ahead of the people, taking some elders. What do you imagine that Moses remembered when he took the staff that reminded him of memories with his people?
What do you think Moses was afraid of when he listened to the Lord say “go?”
In verse 6, the Lord offers reassurance. What does it mean to hear that the Lord will be standing there with you in the place the Lord has called you to go?
If you were one of the elders who had gone ahead of the people, what do you suppose you might tell the Israelites who were back at Rephidim?

Play the Water for Jesus video (end at 1:58) and ask:

What are the things in our lives that we thirst for and how do they affect our relationship with God?
How do we balance our human needs and improper thirsts?
How do we provide water for Jesus in our daily lives?
What can we do to move past complaints and toward caring for God’s people?
Where can we provide cool water this week in world complaining about their thirst?
Close in prayer.