Daniel in the lion’s den. Ezra leading a nation. Nehemiah’s men with a sword in one hand while building with the other.
Extraordinary moments. Unforgettable courage.
We love studying the heroes of our faith. We marvel at how they stood firm for God in the face of overwhelming opposition. But deep down, we wonder: Would I do the same? For those of us walking through seemingly ordinary days, is our faith enough?
This year’s study will reveal a powerful truth: The courage we admire wasn’t forged in dramatic moments but shaped through daily faithfulness.
The courage we admire wasn’t forged in dramatic moments but shaped through daily faithfulness.
For those seeking purpose for a seemingly “ordinary” life, this year’s study, Exile & Return, is for you. For those who are overwhelmed by life’s challenges, God can use Exile & Return to strengthen your courage. For the moments we are called to step out in faith to share the gospel, the eight books of the Bible featured in Exile & Return can reinforce our resolve. And for those called to lead God’s people, the lessons we will learn this year will show you the way.
Because Exile & Return isn’t really about the heroes of our faith. It’s about our extraordinary God who calls and equips ordinary people.
So how can we build upon our faith today like Ezra, Esther, or Daniel? Consider these three takeaways.
Determine what defines you.
In Ezra 7, we’re introduced to a man who played a key role in leading God’s people back to Jerusalem to renew their devotion to God. Through his wisdom and teaching, Ezra inspired an entire generation to devote themselves wholeheartedly to the Lord. Scripture could have introduced Ezra with a list of achievements and accomplishments. Instead, Ezra 7:10 highlights this defining trait:
“For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.”
The word translated as “devoted” in this verse can also mean “set his heart toward.” When we consider this deeper meaning, we see that Ezra wasn’t just interested in knowing Scripture—he was determined to know the God behind it.
This year, “Exile & Return” will challenge us to ask, “What have I set my heart toward?”
Ezra’s daily devotion to Scripture shaped his character as he faithfully pursued God in the quiet rhythms of everyday life. And when the time came to lead, he stood with confidence—not in himself, but in the God he knew.
This year, Exile & Return will challenge us to ask, “What have I set my heart toward?” We can faithfully pray for God to use our daily study, weekly discussion, and lecture to change us, equip us, and build our faith. In a world consumed by accomplishments and achievements, Exile & Return can give us the courage to live a life defined by Christ.
Take your prayer life further.
When we meet Daniel, Scripture describes him as “without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace” (Daniel 1:4).
Daniel was gifted in every way—intelligent, capable, and respected. But his true strength didn’t come from his abilities. It came from his trust in God. Living in a foreign culture, overwhelmed by competing influences, Daniel sought God’s wisdom through prayer.
In Daniel 2, when faced with an impossible situation, Daniel asked his friends to join him in pleading “for mercy from the God of heaven” (2:18). And when God answered, Daniel didn’t rush forward into action. He paused once again to pray.
In Daniel 6, when continued prayer meant facing the lion’s den, the Bible tells us, “Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before” (6:10b).
Prayer wasn’t simply a ritual for Daniel; it was a lifeline.
In Daniel 9, we get a firsthand account of why and how Daniel prayed. In verse 2 we learn that Daniel “understood from the Scriptures.” Daniel took God at His Word and responded in prayer.
Prayer wasn’t simply a ritual for Daniel; it was a lifeline.
As God’s Word stirred his mind and his heart, Daniel recalled God’s character. He confessed sin and pled for mercy—not based on his own righteousness but on God’s:
“We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name” (Daniel 9:18b–19).
Daniel held nothing back. He laid his sin and shame before the Lord, fully confident that God would hear and respond. His prayer was bold because his trust in God was complete. Daniel didn’t find courage in his intellect or his position; he depended on God and sought Him in prayer.
As God reveals unexpected facets of His character and promises this year, how might we take our prayer life further? When Bible study inspires us to pray, God builds our faith and moves in ways we never could have imagined.
Place ordinary faith in our extraordinary God.
Through Exile & Return, we will walk alongside faithful followers, including Ezekiel, Ezra, and Daniel.
Like us, they were human. Like us, they were flawed. They faced fear, uncertainty, and opposition. Yet day by day, they built lives on the foundation of God’s Word and depended on Him in prayer.
For He alone can shut the mouths of lions, change the hearts of kings, restore what was broken, and replant what was destroyed.
Exile & Return will remind us that when God builds our faith, it is never simply ‘ordinary.’ We too can trust our extraordinary God for courage in everyday life and in challenging times. As we set our hearts on His Word, let us pray that this BSF study year will not just be “a time to build” but our time to build.