Wilderness Seasons: "Desert or Dessert?" (Travis Aicklen)

Part 2 in Wilderness Seasons sermon series from Travis Aicklen talking about characteristics of desert seasons.

Scripture References: Exodus 13:17, Exodus 14, Exodus 15, Exodus 16

Intro:

• Gratitude for Sean and Mike.
• Acknowledging the "wilderness" as a collective experience.
• Wilderness: a place of testing, paradox, disorientation, and temptation.
• The question: "What possible good could come from this?"

Key Points:

• God's Purpose in the Wilderness:
  • Preparation: Exodus 13:17 - God prepares us for future battles. 
    • Like a training ground, equipping us for opposition.
    • David's example: prepared with skills and knowledge of God.
  • Divine Warfare: Exodus 14 - God fights for us when we are helpless. 
    • Learning to "be still" and trust in God's deliverance.
    • God's power is revealed when we have none.
  • Redemption Through the Cross: Exodus 15 - God works even in bitter circumstances. 
    • The "log" in bitter water symbolizes the cross of Christ.
    • God's purposes are revealed even in suffering.
  • Dependence on God's Provision: Exodus 16 - God's promises are enough to sustain us. 
    • Learning to rely on daily provision, not excess.
    • God's presence is sufficient, even when circumstances are challenging.
• Jesus in the Wilderness:
  • Jesus' own wilderness experience: a model of obedience and trust.
  • Communion: remembering Jesus' sacrifice and God's faithfulness.

Call to Action:

• Acknowledge God's work in our current wilderness.
• Reflect on the lessons learned: preparation, trust, redemption, dependence.
• Take communion, remembering Jesus' sacrifice.
• Rejoice in God's presence and provision, even in difficult times.
• Thank God for working in our lives.

Conclusion:

• God uses the wilderness to reveal His character and purpose.
• We can trust in His faithfulness, even when we don't understand.
• God is at work, preparing, fighting, redeeming, and providing for us.

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