Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. NIV
How can anything good come out of this situation? It seems that God’s typical mode is to bring good things out of bad situations exchanging beauty for ashes. “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” God seems to always bring life out of things that just don’t seem to be very life-giving and that, in and of itself, is part of the beauty of the Gospel.
All of this social distancing positions people to be more at home. I’ve learned, with God, to search for purpose in the pain no matter how difficult the situation may be.
The hummingbird and the buzzard fly over the same stretch of desert. The hummingbird finds beautiful flowers full of sweet nectar while the buzzard finds dead, decaying carcass. They both find what they are looking for. We all tend to find what we are looking for.
There is a remarkable correlation between challenge and adventure. Some people see challenges that discourage them while others see adventure that activates them.
So today, I want to challenge you to consider how God is doing something deeply significant in all of us through this all.
Psalm 4:6 Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: you have enlarged me when I was in distress… (AKJV)
We want to challenge you to let God bring something beautiful out of this time. There are enrichment opportunities resulting from the extra time we have together. These are great times to spend extra time in God’s Word, extra time focusing in prayer, extra time calling and checking on people, praying with them, etc.
In an effort to better equip you to be enriched while we walk out this season of social distancing we have paid for our entire congregational family to have access to Right Now Media. We have emailed a link for you to open to have access. This is just one of the things we’re trying to work on to provide.
If for some reason you do not receive an email please text destiny to 474747 and fill out an online connect card with your updated email stating that you want access to Right Now Media and we will connect you. These are just a few of the things we’re trying to work on to provide. We applied and were accepted as local partners with Feed The Children and are waiting to hear more details about how we can offer further assistance in our community with the distribution of food.
We want to offer some Q & A time as a staff. If you would please send your questions that we can take a look at and prepare responses to at info@destinyokc.com we would love to have that interaction.
Psalm 112:6-8 (We) will not be overthrown by evil circumstances. God’s constant care of (us) will make a deep impression on all who see it. 7 (We will) not fear bad news, nor live in dread of what may happen. For (we have) settled in our minds that Jehovah will take care of (us). 8 That is why (we are) not afraid but can calmly face (adversity). TLB
We bring GP2RL Action Point:
Contend for a deeper place of pursuing God and inviting others along this journey this week.
Click here for a downloadable pdf file of this guide.
Discussion Guide for Community Leaders
FEAR NOT: EVERYTHING FOR OUR GOOD
UNDERSTANDING THE SEASON: We have entered into unprecedented days for the church. God is not taken off guard so we must be intentional about moving from being on our heels to being on our toes. Our mission hasn’t changed. Love is our agenda and making disciples is our focus. God is speaking to His sons and daughters and it is important that we all take the time to hear his voice.
We’ve been starting our groups with the first and primary question that we want to continue even more specifically during this season:
DISCUSSION QUESTION:
1. Where are you reading in your Bible and what are you sensing from God?
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. NIV
DISCUSSION QUESTION:
2. Share of a time when a situation seemed terrible but something good came from it?
David clearly communicates that God enlarged him when he was in distress. When things aren’t going our way we are more inclined to pray and turn to God.
Psalm 4:6 Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: you have enlarged me when I was in distress… (AKJV)
Let’s allow God bring something beautiful out of this incredibly difficult time. There are enrichment opportunities resulting from the extra time we have together. These are great times to spend extra time in God’s Word, extra time focusing in prayer, extra time calling and checking on people, praying with them, etc.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
3. Where in your daily routine could you become more aware of God’s presence?
4. What is one of your most favorite worship songs?
5. Share how you plan to implement our action point this week.
We Bring GP2RL Action Point:
Contend for a deeper place of pursuing God and inviting others along this journey this week.