Some time ago Elisa led us in conversations about "tables" and how certain mealtimes moved the story of the Bible forward. For these two weeks Bill wants the group to consider the opposite—how famines (or the lack of food) was a catalyst for biblical events and a force for change in the lives of the characters of the Scriptures.

Receive 

When we stop and consider that so many men and women in the Bible experienced various hardships, including famines, we see how God was still working in their lives to draw them closer to Him. From Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and his family to Naomi and Ruth and King David, they all found themselves in challenging situations. Some of their circumstances may raise some difficult questions, but they also offer some helpful insights into what it means to be people of faith, who in spite of any questions, learn to trust God even in life's most difficult times.  

How does reading about how God helped well-known Old Testament figures even during times of famines help you trust God despite your circumstances?  

What could your next step toward trusting God during hard times look like?  

Reflect  

• How might Abram’s response to a famine in Genesis 12:10 have influenced how his son Isaac response to the famine in Genesis 26:1? 
• How did the famine mentioned in Genesis 42:5 work out for good for Jacob and his family?  
• How did God give Naomi beauty for ashes after the famine mentioned in Ruth 1:1? 
• Why did King David want to avoid the famine mentioned in 2 Samuel 24:13? 

Respond 

(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) 

“Dear God, thank You for being with me even in difficult times. Help me to trust You despite my circumstances. Help me to love and serve You whether I’m in a season of feast or famine.”  

Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources 

Mentioned in this episode: 

• Joseph by Bill Crowder 
• Tables in the Story of God Week 1 
• Tables in the Story of God Week 2 
• The Book of Naomi 
• The Gospel of Ruth 

Listen: 

• Inseparable   
• God Is at Work      

Read: 

• It's Not Fair - Trusting God When Life Doesn't Make Sense 
• Navigating the Wilderness 

Watch: 

• Never Out of God’s Sight - Genesis 41:1 
• Running on Empty - Ruth 1:21