Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, “The Exodus,” pp. 281–290;

“From the Red Sea to Sinai,” pp. 291–302, in Patriarchs and Prophets;

“The Temptation,” pp. 114–123, in The Desire of Ages.

“But of old the Lord led his people to Rephidim, and he may choose

to lead us there also, to test our loyalty. He does not always bring us to

pleasant places. If he did, in our self-sufficiency we should forget that

he is our helper. He longs to manifest himself to us, and to reveal the

abundant supplies at our disposal, and he permits trial and disappoint-

ment to come to us that we may realize our helplessness, and learn to

call upon him for aid. He can cause cooling streams to flow from the

flinty rock. We shall never know, until we are face to face with God,

when we shall see as we are seen, and know as we are known, how

many burdens he has borne for us, and how many burdens he would

have been glad to bear, if, with childlike faith, we had brought them

to him.”—Ellen G. White, “Rephidim,” Advent Review and Sabbath

Herald, April 7, 1903.

Discussion Questions:

Ê We often talk of temptation as an individual thing, which, of

course, it is. At the same time, are there any corporate tempta-

tions, things that we as a church or a local church family might

have to guard against as a group? If so, what?

Ë Ask those who are willing to talk about any of the “unpleasant

places” that they have been brought to. Why were these unpleas-

ant? If they had to revisit those experiences today, would they view

them any differently?

Ì We all understand the principle behind God allowing us to be

purified and refined by trials. How, though, do we understand the

situation in which trials appear to have no value—for instance,

someone is killed instantly in a car wreck? As a class, seek to work

through possible answers.

Í As a class, take time together to pray for each other, that each

might be strengthened to endure trials and stay faithful.

Î Does your class know of anyone who, having faced trials, lost

the way? If so, as a class what could you do in a very tangible way

to help lead that person back?