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Famine - Week 1

Famine - Week 1

Author: Our Daily Bread Ministries July 12, 2026 Duration: 1:09:52
Discover the Word Podcast
ReligionReligion & SpiritualityChristianityCultureSocietySociety & CultureSpirituality

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.


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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.”  

 

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Each week on Discover the Word Podcast, a small group from Our Daily Bread Ministries gathers around the microphone for a conversation that feels more like a thoughtful coffee shop discussion than a formal lecture. The focus is on opening up the Bible together, taking a single passage or theme and turning it over to see all its facets. You’ll hear the hosts-and occasionally a guest-ask honest questions, share personal reflections, and connect ancient texts to the complexities of modern life in culture and society. This isn't about quick answers, but about cultivating a deeper, more practical spirituality through patient exploration. The rhythm of this weekly podcast provides a consistent space to pause and consider how these timeless words speak into our relationships, challenges, and everyday moments. It’s an invitation to move beyond a surface reading and to truly discover the layers of meaning, wisdom, and guidance waiting within Scripture. Join this accessible, conversational Bible study to find fresh perspective and meaningful application for your own journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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