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When Obedience Feels Excruciating (Genesis 22)
April 04, 2023
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18:23
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At some point, we've probably all wrestled with the fear that God might ask us to do something that we not only don't want to do, but that will feel hard or painful. Maybe we're afraid, if we fully yield our lives to Him, He'll ask us to quit our jobs or move overseas. Or perhaps we fear He'll ask us to give up something we find deeply fulfilling. In those seasons, one question rises to the surface: Can we really trust that God wants us to live our best lives possible, has the power to bring that life about, and will faithfully guide us toward that? Ultimately, can we really believe He is good, even in this, whatever this is?
(Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.)
Find Jill Eileen Smith:
Book mentioned: Daughter of Eden: Eve's Story
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Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group
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Discussion/reflective questions questions:
- What resonated with you most in this episode?
- What surprised you most regarding God's request to Abraham?
- Had you been Abraham, what emotions might you have wrestled with?
- What type of thoughts might have played through your mind as you journeyed to the location God showed you?
- This event recorded in Scripture can help us gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for God the Father sending His Son to die for our sins. What does this account show you in relation to that? What might it reveal regarding God's heart toward you?
- Considering God's heart toward you, as revealed through Christ's death and resurrection (see Matthew 27-28 in the Bible), how might reflecting upon this illustration increase your peace the next time you feel afraid?
- This event recorded in Scripture also reveals God the Son's heart for us as well. The Bible tells us that He willingly chose to die for me and you. How can this knowledge help increase your peace the next time you feel afraid?
- How can remembering God's heart toward you increase your courage when you sense Him asking you to do something difficult or frightening?
- What is one action step He might be asking you to take based on what you heard in this episode?
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Jennifer Slattery, founder of Wholly Loved Ministries, is a multi-published author, national speaker, and speaking coach passionate about helping God's children reach their full potential and live fully surrendered to Christ. She’s also one of the hosts of the Your Daily Bible Verse podcast. Find her online at https://www.JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLoud.com.
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Jodie Bailey is a Carolina girl who believes in the transformational power of the story when God is allowed to hold the pen. As an Army wife, she developed a love for serving and speaking to other Army spouses as a Protestant Women of the Chapel study leader, a Family Readiness Group leader, and an Army Family Team Building instructor. She began her writing career by creating content for PWOC’s international e100 women’s study and contributing to military family devotions and blogs. She is also a multi-published inspirational fiction author. Jodie lives in North Carolina with her husband, her daughter, and two dogs. You can stop by and say hi at http://www.jodiebailey.com.
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Ava Pennington is an author, speaker, freelance editor, and a certified writing and speaking coach. She teaches a weekly Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) class. Ava also received an Adult Bible Studies certificate from Moody Bible Institute and is trained as a Precepts Ministries instructor. She is the author of Reflections on the Names of God: 180 Devotions to Know God More Fully, and has contributed to numerous magazines and anthologies. Visit AvaPennington.com to learn more.
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Kimi Miller is a California native who grew up in the Midwest. She is a United States Air Force veteran and former pastor of women’s ministry. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication and a master’s degree in Christian Ministry with a concentration in Theology. She’s a wife, mom, step-mom and grandma. Her laughter is contagious, as is her passion for the Word of God. You can connect with Kimi through her blog KimiMiller.com.
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Carol Ogle McCracken is a fun-loving wedding planner, speaker, Bible teacher, and author who brings to Scripture to inspire a personal, vibrant relationship with Him. Her authentic challenges faced while journeying through alcoholism, raising a child with special needs, and divorce, equip her to teach, entertain and encourage you. Carol currently serves as the Minister of Discipleship at her home church and is a Christian communicator in many different forums, large and small, and especially enjoys teaching at women’s retreats. Her book Wisdom, Where to Find It if You've Lost, Forgotten, or Never Had It was released in November 2020.
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Tami Wittrock is a devoted wife and friend to her amazing husband John and mom to four energetic and full-of-life kiddos. But above all, she’s a passionate and fiery follower of Jesus! It’s her passion to share her story with transparency to bring glory to God and support, encourage, and draw others into a deeper relationship with Him. Life with Him makes for some great stories, which she shares from noon-3 weekdays on 100.7 KGBI radio. In her free time, she loves Good-willing (alone), deep conversations (with friends), and laughing (with anyone).
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Kelly Campbell survived a massive stroke at 40 that left her physically disabled but with a passion for prayer and other survivors. She holds a Masters of Divinity in Healthcare Chaplaincy and serves on the Board of Directors for Wholly Loved Ministries and for the Brain Injury Association of Georgia (BIAG). She is a single mother of adult sons and has two beautiful daughters-in-law. She leads a number of serve teams at her church and loves to use her testimony to help others.
