I AM...Providing - MSQ
Part of I AM—A Study of Exodus
October 8, 2023

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I AM…Providing - Message Study Questions

Message Summary

God provides for His people again and again in surprising ways to draw us closer to Him. The farther away from God we are, the harder it is to perceive that provision, to look for it, expect and be thankful for it. The closer we are to God, the easier it is to see His provision and to receive it.

We all have a cognitive filter that affects the way we see things. Our culture, environment and trauma impact our perception of the world. Although tough times can tilt our filter, good counseling and self-learning can help. And having our identity in Christ and living a Christian lifestyle keeps things in the right perspective. “For we live by believing and not by seeing” (2 Corinthians 5:7 NLT). But even when the Israelites forgot what God had done, and didn’t expect Him to provide, God still provided water, then food, and then water again in a unique, unexpected and miraculous way. God provided even when their faith was low, to teach them to trust no matter what. The manna was somehow connected with the morning dew, reminding them and us that we need Christ daily. This implies the sufficiency of Christ to meet every need of all His people.

We draw closer to God through faith and faithful actions such as prayer, sacrificial giving, infusing our lives with the Bible, worship and fellowship with other like-minded believers. The closer we are to God, the easier it is to exercise our faith and to see His provision and to receive it.

  1. Can you share a time when God provided for you in an unexpected and even miraculous way?

  2. Why is thankfulness so beautiful and healing?

Consider This

Like any good parent, God would never give what He knew would ultimately harm us. His intent is to help us develop Christ likeness. Acquiring things is not the goal of this life. Jesus said, “Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be” (Matthew 6:20-21 NLT).

  1. How did God test the Israelites in Exodus 16:4-5? What do you think was God’s purpose in testing His people?

  2. What usually happens to a group of people when someone in the group voices a complaint? What happens when someone voices gratitude?

  3. List the type of provisions God promises in the following verses.

    • John 14:27
    • 2 Corinthians 1:4
    • 2 Timothy 1:7
    • Ephesians 1:3

  4. Jesus tells us that he is the bread from heaven in John 6:48–51. What is God’s ultimate and most important provision for you?

  5. Read James 4:7-10, and describe how you can draw near to God.

  6. Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Do you think this means God will give you what you desire, or that he places God honoring desires in your heart, or both? (see also Philippians 2:13)

  7. What does the Bible say about our natural life in James 4:14? What perspective does this give to you?

  8. How would you describe the difference between a need and a want? How do you know the difference?

  9. Read 1 Corinthians 10:9-11. Do you think that complaining is an act of disobedience to God? Why or why not?

Moving Forward – Application

  1. Can you write down a list of ways that God has provided for you this past week?

  2. List 10 things you can be thankful for first thing each day this week.

  3. What can you plan to do daily this week that will help you grow closer to God?

  4. Is there someone you should talk to this week to help you gain perspective on whatever you are facing now?