Oct 4 2026
The heart of a Rust City Group is to care for people and carry the culture of Rust City Church.
You don’t have to follow this guide like a script! Use discernment from the Holy Spirit as you lead your group discussion.
If you notice that someone in your group needs additional care or support that’s beyond your capacity, please let a pastor know.
ICEBREAKER QUESTION OPTION:
What is your favorite candy, if you eat candy?
I’m Fine: Pt. 2
SPEAKER: Pastor Wes Washington
Scriptures—
I Kings 19:1-9, 10-18; Phil. 3:14
Key Takeaways—
Core Theme - Anxiety Leads Us Where We Don’t Belong
The Danger of Unaddressed Problems: Problems are like accumulating debt; if ignored, they lead to increasing fear and anxiety, which can drive us into places we were never intended to be (e.g., the "wilderness" of isolation, acts of desperation).
Tomorrow's Threats vs. Yesterday's Victories: Anxiety occurs when we allow the fear of the unknown "tomorrow" to make us forget the "yesterday" victories where God clearly showed up.
God Sustains Us in the Wilderness: Even when we are in a place of isolation or depression, God provides for our needs (the "bread and water"). We don't have to wait until we are "clean" to approach Him; we should come to Him to be made clean.
Releasing the Need to Know 'Why': Our obsession with understanding "why" painful things happened can keep us stuck in the past. True peace often comes from trusting God’s sovereignty even when we never receive the answer to our "why."
God's Path Forward: God often calls us to return to the places we ran from—not to repeat the past, but to bring hope and light to others in those same dark places.
Discussion Questions—
How do you usually react when you feel overwhelmed by a "threat to your tomorrow"? Do you naturally tend to isolate or run toward temporary comforts and distractions?
Can you recall a "yesterday victory" where God showed up in an impossible situation in your life? How can you keep that memory fresh during current trials?
Pastor Wes suggested that we often remain stuck in the past because we are searching for a "why” that explains what happened to us in that past. Is there a situation where you are still demanding an answer from God, and how might letting go of that help you move forward?
Elijah experienced God in a "still, small voice" rather than the wind, fire or earthquake. In your current season, what "noise" might be keeping you from hearing that whisper?
How does the idea that your personal testimony and struggles can be a weapon for helping others change your perspective on what you are going through right now?
Practical application—
Consider implementing one of the following this week:
Option 1: The 24-Hour Check In
When anxiety hits, pause and write down one way God was faithful to you in the past. Carry that anchor with you and use it repeatedly for the next 24 hours.
Option 2: Silent Practice
Commit to 5 minutes of intentional silence this week to practice "being still and knowing He is God," specifically turning off phones and media to create a quiet space.
option 3: Shift The Focus
Identify one thing you are holding onto from the past. Consciously pray to release your need to know "why" regarding that event and ask God to show you the step He wants you to take "ahead" instead. Enlist an ally to pray on your behalf as well.
Closing Prayer—
Heavenly Father,
Thank You that You are the God who meets us in our wilderness. For everyone here feeling weighed down by anxiety, fear, or the exhaustion of trying to act 'fine' when they are falling apart, we ask for Your peace that passes understanding. Help us to let go of the past and the need to control the 'why' of our pain.
Strengthen us with the Bread of Life (your Holy Word) and Living Water (Jesus in our lives), and give us the courage to walk the path You have set before us, knowing You are with us every step of the way. Use our stories to bring light and hope to others.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.