Desert, Group, Project | When God Calls You Beyond Yourself - Part 3 | Senior Pastor Keith Stewart

Send us Fan MailWHEN GOD CALLS YOU BEYOND YOURSELFDesert, Community, Project | Part 3Senior Pastor Keith StewartJune 14, 2026What do you do when God asks you to do something that feels impossible? The disciples faced a hungry crowd of thousands with only five loaves and two fish. Their first response was the same as ours: "We don't have enough." But what if the greatest obstacle isn't a lack of resources? What if it's forgetting who we're with? This Sunday, we'll explore one of Jesus' most famous miracles and discover a life-changing truth: God never intended for us to be the source—only the distributors of what He places in our hands. Join us for Part 3 of our series, Desert. Community. Project."WHEN GOD CALLS YOU BEYOND YOURSELF" In-person and online at Springcreek Church.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Icebreaker Tell about a time when you were asked to do something that felt completely beyond your ability, resources, or experience. How did you respond? Digging Into the Message Read Mark 6:30-44. Why do you think Jesus first called His disciples to a solitary place before involving them in ministry to the crowd? Pastor Keith described the desert as a place of: Separation | Preparation | RevelationWhich of those purposes resonates most with your current season of life? Why? Henri Nouwen suggests that solitude reveals things we've been avoiding. What are some common distractions people use to avoid facing themselves or God? Jesus looked at a crowd of hungry people and felt compassion. What is the difference between sympathy, pity, and genuine compassion?The disciples saw a problem. Jesus saw an opportunity. When you face a challenge, are you more likely to focus on what you don't have or on what God might do through what you do have? Top-Down or Bottom-Up? The message contrasted "bottom-up" thinking with "top-down" thinking. What is the difference? Can you think of an example from your own life where you've approached a situation from each perspective? Why do you think it is so easy to forget what God has done in the past when we encounter a new challenge? What "five loaves and two fish" has God already placed in your hands that you may be overlooking? Living the Sacred Rhythm One of the key ideas from the message was:"The disciples were never the source."How does that truth challenge the pressure many Christians feel to produce results? The miracle happened as the disciples kept returning to Jesus for more. What does daily dependence on Christ look like in practical terms? Which part of the rhythm needs the most attention in your life right now?Desert (being with God)Community (walking with others)Project (serving others) What is one concrete step you can take this week? Closing Reflection Read this statement aloud:"Their responsibility was not to manufacture the miracle. Their responsibility was to stay close to the One who could." Spend a few moments discussing:Where do you feel pressure to "manufacture" results?What would it look like to trust Jesus deeply in that area? Prayer Pray for one another, asking God to: Draw you deeper into the desert place of communion with Him.Strengthen your relationships in Christian community.Show you where He is calling you to participate in His work.Give you faith to trust Him with the impossible.