about the series
Life presents challenging seasons, such as suffering, loss, fear, doubt, and conflict. These moments can feel overwhelming, leaving us searching for meaning and hope. This series, "Exit Through the Gift Shop," explores navigating these difficult seasons and experiencing God in it.
REsOURCES
We have added a podcast resource as well as a book resource for each topic within the series to dive deeper into each season of life. We hope these are helpful tools within your walk no matter what season you are struggling in. Click on each resource to view direct link - resources for each week below.
SERIES OUTLINE
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Trusting God’s care during physical and emotional trials.
James 5:13-16; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; Psalm 41:3; 1 Peter 5:10 -
In this message, were reminded that sin is the one struggle common to all humanity—none of us is righteous on our own (Romans 3:10-18, 3:23). Yet in the midst of our brokenness, God loved us. We are not loved because we are holy, but we are made holy because we are loved (Romans 5:6-8). Even sorrow, when it’s godly, is a gift—it leads us to repentance and new life. Once dead in sin, we are now alive in Christ.
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Suffering and sickness are a part of life, but they are never wasted in the hands of God. We looked to Job and Ecclesiastes to remind us that our lives are like a vapor—brief, yet deeply meaningful when anchored in God's purpose. In our pain, we’re invited to refresh our reason for loving God, embrace the moment with gratitude, and release control of the outcome—knowing that whether through healing or heaven, God is glorified and we ultimately win.
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Through the story of Jonah, we uncovered how anger can actually reveal God’s mercy, expose our deepest passions, and prompt us to ask: Do I have the right to be angry? Scripture reminds us, “In your anger, do not sin.” Anger isn’t the enemy — it’s what we do with it that matters. When surrendered to God, anger can become a holy indicator, pointing us to the heart of what we care about, and the ways God is working in us.
RESOURCES:
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We all face loss—in relationships, dreams, or independence. This week, we looked at Psalm 13 and Isaiah 43:2, seeing how God invites us to grieve through lament. Lament lets us be honest, seek help, and trust Him. In every loss, God is with us, shaping us, and drawing us closer to His heart.
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We looked at the story of Hagar and Sarai in Genesis 16 and explored how God meets us in the midst of brokenness. Jesus is the fulfillment of shalom—wholeness and peace—even when life feels fractured. We were reminded that what the enemy meant for evil, God can redeem for good, and that our stories matter deeply to Him. Through trauma, God often brings the gifts of community and calling, and He uses our greatest pain to awaken our greatest purpose. He is the One who binds up the brokenhearted.
RESOURCES:
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This week, we looked at the story of Joseph in Genesis 37 and the pain of rejection. Joseph faced betrayal by his own brothers, not because he had done wrong, but because he was favored and carried a dream. Rejection is one of the deepest human wounds, yet through Joseph’s story, we’re reminded that even when people disappoint us and dreams seem delayed, the wisdom of God can still be trusted. His purposes are unfolding—even in the pit!
RESOURCES:
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We looked at how doubt isn’t a sign of weak faith—it’s often where real faith begins and grows. We explored how doubt can be a gift: it deepens our faith, fosters humility, builds honest community, and helps us see God’s grace more clearly. Doubt doesn’t disqualify you; it can actually draw you closer to God.
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In Psalm 73, the psalmist wrestles with the deep ache of injustice—why do the wicked seem to prosper while the righteous suffer? This week, we explored how God invites us to bring our raw questions and pain to Him in prayer, shift our perspective to see the bigger picture, and then move toward advocacy and action that reflects His heart for justice. Along the way, we’ll also examine our own hearts, ensuring that our pursuit of justice flows from humility, faith, and love.
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We explored Philippians 4:4-8 and the challenge of facing uncertainty. Jesus commands us not to be anxious, but instead to rejoice in the Lord—finding joy rooted in Him even when circumstances feel shaky. True peace comes from trusting in God and our relationship with Him, focusing on the Provider rather than the provision. As we practice rejoicing in God today, we discover that His presence steadies us in the middle of life’s unknowns.
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