Behind Enemy Lies (Part 2): Hiding is Helping

TO START: Today we begin a new series, Behind Enemy Lies, a series about the unseen battle where truth is twisted just enough to deceive and entrap. Yet in the confusion, God speaks light and truth. Each week, we’ll expose one lie and replace it with the truth God has already spoken—and continues to speak.

In the second message, we will combat the lie that hiding is helpful as we look to the way that Jesus revealed that bringing things into the light brings freedom for the one experiencing burdens and it brings opportunity for those of us with the opportunity to hold someone else’s burdens faithfully and lovingly. 

TO READ: Matthew 26:36-39

TO DISCUSS:

(1.) Why do we instinctively hide the feelings we most need help carrying?

(2.) Share a time when someone caught a glimpse of you in what felt like your worst moment and the person responded with compassion and care and not shame or judgment?

(3.) Who went first for you at some point in your life…and how did their honesty change you?

(4.) What burden are you still trying to carry by yourself because you’re afraid of inconveniencing someone else?

(5.) Which of these steps feels hardest for you right now: finding your someone, asking for help, moving beyond “fine,” asking for specific prayer, or continuing to practice vulnerability—and why?

TO PRAY:

Leader: “God, You see every hidden burden and every fear we carry alone. Thank You for loving us fully, even in the moments we feel weakest or ashamed. We welcome your love right now as we come to you in prayer. ” (Pause 30 seconds) 

Leader: “As we sit before God, let’s reflect on this question, “What is one area of your life where God may be inviting you to stop hiding and let someone trustworthy walk with you?’” (Pause for 1 min and invite folks to share in prayer what came up) 

Leader: Close w/ something like this: “Give us courage to step into the light, honesty to trust safe people, and compassion to carry one another’s burdens the way Jesus does for us. Teach us that vulnerability is not weakness, but a pathway to freedom, healing, and deeper community. Amen.”