Further, Part 5

Many people approaching this stage become aware for the first time that what got them this far won’t get them much farther. We suddenly become aware of tensions in our life with God through things like adverse circumstances, unanswered questions, or personal tragedy. Our questions force us to look at God, ourselves, our beliefs, and our community through conflicted eyes.

Savior of the World
Mack Brock

Everything that has Breath
Jesus Culture

Here Again
Elevation Worship

Touch of Heaven
Hillsong Worship

The Critical Journey
Stage One – Recognition of God
Stage Two – The Life of Discipleship
Stage Three – The Productive Life
Stage Four – The Journey Inward

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Psalm 43:2
“For you are God, my only safe haven. Why have you tossed me aside? Why must I wander around in grief, oppressed by my enemies?”

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Genesis 32:9-11
“O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, Lord, you who said to me, ‘Go back to your country and your relatives, and I will make you prosper,’ I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. I had only my staff when I crossed this Jordan, but now I have become two camps. Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me, and also the mothers with their children.”

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Genesis 32:22-29
That night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two female servants and his eleven sons and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. After he had sent them across the stream, he sent over all his possessions. So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” The man asked him, “What is your name?” “Jacob,” he answered. Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.” Jacob said, “Please tell me your name.” But he replied, “Why do you ask my name?” Then he blessed him there.

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1. Hide and Seek

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John Calvin
We are strengthened to greater authenticity, discovery, and growth in our ‘journey inward’ by the spiritual disciplines of daily Bible reading, reflection, prayer, journal writing, and regular times of retreat.

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2. Believe that God wants to bless you.

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Luke 11:11-13
Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit (God Himself) to those who ask Him!”

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3. Don’t let go.

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