Trust • Surrender • Courage • Transformation

Tonight, we took another look at the word complacency.

As we shared our understanding, one person described complacency as being relaxed, while another described it as becoming comfortable. Another participant offered a deeper perspective: when you stop expecting because you feel like you are never going to arrive anyway, you stop pushing.

The word that emerged from our conversation was hopelessness.

We recognized that complacency is not always simply being comfortable with our accomplishments or believing we do not need to grow. Sometimes a person can become weary, discouraged, or hopeless—especially after experiencing difficult circumstances for a long time. As we reflected on the children of Israel, we remembered the heavy oppression they had experienced and considered how prolonged hardship can affect the way people see themselves, their circumstances, and even the future.

Yet throughout our discussion, we were reminded that trust is still needed.

We continued wrestling with an important question: What comes first—trust or surrender?

Alongside Exodus 14:10–15, participants read and shared from several supporting Scriptures.

Proverbs 3:5–6 reminded us not to depend entirely on our own understanding or feel that we must figure everything out alone. God can be our anchor when we do not know what to do.

In 2 Chronicles 20:17, we reflected on God’s instruction and the response of His people as they bowed and worshipped.

From Isaiah 30:15, one participant shared that repentance and trust stood out to her. We discussed the thought that quiet trust can become a source of strength. Another connection emerged: when we recognize our weakness, we are reminded of our need for God’s strength.

We also recognized how many of us have experienced fearful moments similar to those faced by the Israelites.

One participant shared that reading through the text is causing her to look inward when situations arise. Israel’s experience with God has led her to reflect more honestly on her own responses when facing difficult circumstances.

Another participant shared her gratitude for GROW, saying that Bible study causes you to look at your own life. She acknowledged that she has not always felt comfortable sharing her true feelings in Bible study, even after being in church for many years, but she said she is getting there.

That was a meaningful reminder for us: the Scriptures do not simply tell us about the lives of people who lived long ago. They can also invite us to examine our own hearts, responses, and relationship with God.

What Do We Do When Fear Comes?

As we continued reading Exodus 14:10–15, we reflected on Israel’s fear as Pharaoh and the Egyptian army approached.

One participant described their response as desperation, something many of us can understand from our own experiences.

We discussed the difference between trying to fight every battle in our own strength and learning to trust God with what is beyond our control.

Israel was instructed to stand firm and witness what God would do. Yet they were also told to move forward.

That tension became an important part of our discussion.

Trusting God does not necessarily mean doing nothing. There are things God asks us to do, while there are also things only God can do.

The Israelites could not defeat the Egyptian army in their own strength. Moses was instructed to lift his staff. Then God made a way where they could not make one for themselves.

Our responsibility is not to control every outcome. Our responsibility is to respond faithfully to what God asks of us and trust Him with what is beyond our ability.

Sometimes that requires us to stop striving to control everything. Sometimes it requires courage to take the next step.

As we reflected on Joshua’s words—“Be strong and courageous”—we talked about having the courage to face what we fear and, sometimes, the courage to try again.

Formation Is Taking Place

Our conversation also returned to the language of formation and transformation.

God’s work in us often begins inwardly.

Formation touches our:

• Attitudes
• Thoughts
• Choices
• Habits
• Responses
• Hearts

Transformation is what we begin to see changing in us over time.

As we continue in God’s Word, we are not simply looking for more information. We are learning to pay attention to the fruit of what is being formed within us.

Growing Together

One of the greatest joys of the evening was seeing everyone participate.

Participants read the Scriptures, shared their reflections, asked questions, made connections, and engaged together in the Word and prayer.

That is part of what GROW is becoming: a community where we are learning to engage with God’s Word, reflect honestly on our lives, and grow together.

We are continuing to explore:

Trust → Surrender → Courage → Transformation

And we are discovering that sometimes growth begins when we are willing to look honestly at what is happening within us.