bible study
• What about Nathan when God asked him to confront David regarding his sin
with Bathsheba? Nathan could get killed either way! (2 Samuel 12:1-13)
• What about Esther when Mordecai asked her to speak to the King on behalf of the
Jews? Her life was on the line. (Esther 4)
• Did Peter hesitate when Jesus asked him to walk on the water? Caught between his
Rock and a liquid hard place. (Matthew 14:22-33)
• Hosea, when he is asked (told) by God to buy his prostitute wife back: You've got
to be kidding, God! (Hosea 3)
• What about Jesus on the cross? What is His rock and hard place? (Matthew
27:27-54)
There are obviously many, many more examples in the Scriptures about human beings
in hard situations where it seems as if there is no way out and we are being crushed.
You may think of some of your own situations or those of a friend even now. How
have you reacted when feeling squished between that rock and that hard place?
The money runs out before the end of the month.
Your six-month-old twins are out of diapers.
You can’t afford your medications but can’t live without them.
No chocolate when the pastor comes to visit!
Part 2 A Specific Example (15 Minutes)
The rock and the hard place close in: Exodus 5:1-13
What is the plight of the people?
What makes the struggle even harder?
In the struggle where does it seem that the people look?
The rock and the hard place settle in: Exodus 5:14-21
Just when you think it can’t get any worse — it gets worse! What do the people
do now?
Is the frustration and anger justified?
What distractions do the people have?
The rock and the hard place collide: Exodus 5:22-23
Is it all right to question or blame God?
The Rock rescues: Exodus 6:1-2
Who wins in the battle of the rock and the hard place?
What about you? Have you ever been stuck feeling like there is no way out?
Have you ever been looking inside of yourself and just become more frustrated?
By Rev. Dan Heuer
[For study guide helps, click on the Quarterly icon at www.lwml.org or contact
the LWML office.]
Opening
“Between a rock and a hard place” is usually described as a very uncomfortable place.
A sense of dread could easily come over us. Many people in the Bible found them-
selves between a rock and a hard place. Can you name a few? (We’ll look at a few of
them in this study.) What about in your personal life?
Prayer
Gracious Father God, You are my Rock and my Fortress. You are a place of safety.
Thank You for Your never-ending love for me. You give me exactly what is needed for
me to grow spiritually. Teach me through the hard times in this life just how much
You love me. Thank You for being a Rock of refuge and hope. Lead me now in the
study Your holy Word. In the strong Name of Jesus. Amen!
Part 1 Introduction (10 minutes)
If you are studying this in a large group meeting you may want to break into smaller
groups and take a quick look at one of the Bible passages below and ask some of ques-
tions about the hardship experienced. If you are studying this alone, you may want to
choose one each day and use it as a devotional thought.
• Did Adam struggle when Eve gave him the forbidden fruit? Caught between God
and his wife? (Genesis 3:1-7)
• What about when God came looking for Adam in the garden and he again was
caught between God and his wife? (Genesis 3:8-21)
• Did Noah like it when God asked him to build an ark? What would the people of
town think? Would he obey God? (Genesis 6:13-18)
Between a Rock
and a
Hard
Place
LUTHERAN WOMAN’S QUARTERLY – page 36 – SPRING 2007
SPRING 2007 – page 37 – LUTHERAN WOMAN’S QUARTERLY
