Accepting Our Circumstances - pgs 215-221
Before I get started with today's questions, I just want to remind everyone that after this week there is only one week of lessons left. Please be looking into what you want the next lesson to be and let me know by commenting on a post this week or next. I would like to say that I personally would like to have a study where the study guide is part of the book (where you don't have to purchase 2 books).
Realize
1. Describe Eve's circumstances in the Garden, before the entrance of sin. In spite of an ideal setting, Eve managed to become discontent and make a wrong choice. What does that say about our circumstances and our choices?
2. Look at the list of "if onlys" on pages 219-220. Do any of these apply to you? What are your personal "if onlys" - circumstances you blame for your wrong responses or your lack of joy?
3. What sinful responses have you been excusing or rationalizing because of circumstances beyond your control (e.g., I have not honored my husband, have spoken critically of him to others, and have been worrying because of his poor financial decisions)?
4. Give an example of a circumstance in your life that revealed some thing about your heart that needed to be changed (e.g., you become impatient while waiting in the line at the supermarket).
5. Read 2 Corinthians 4:8-11, 16. How did the apostle Paul emerge from his circumstances as a victor, rather than a victim?
Respond
6. List one of more difficult circumstances you are facing at this time. next to each circumstance describe your inward and outward response to that situation. God may or may not choose to change your circumstance, but if you will let Him, He will use your circumstance to change you. What changes are needed in your attitude or your responses?
Prayer of the Day
Lord, I confess that I often let my circumstances control my attitudes and my responses. I want to be controlled by Your Spirit. Please help me to trust in You, regardless of what is going on around me, and to learn to rejoice and be content in every circumstance. Amen.
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2 comments:
Again- Wow! what a hit between the eyes. I have been dealing with learning that it's not what goes on around me but how I respond to what goes on around me that's important to God. I didn't realize that this lie had even permeated my thinking at work. I have my own list of "if only.." If only I didn't have to work so many hours; If only I didn't have so many cases; If only I didn't have to deal with my victims and/or suspects;- I could go on here. This lesson has just re-enforced the Lord's lesson on my actions and my thoughts. I have a meeting tomorrow with victims who want to complain. I was worried but the lesson tonight reminded me that nothing comes into my life that God doesn't know about. He must be bringing it into my life to teach me a lesson and I need to accept it and look for the lesson to apply it to my life so that I can grow to become more like Christ. This is such a hard lesson for me because I don't like to disappoint anyone-it feels like failure to me in my flesh although that might be what God wants to use to break through my stubborn pride.
Oh- by the way- I like the study books with the guide built into the book. Have you looked at the workbooks in the back at Lifeway- especially the one by James MacDonald "Lord help me change my attitude before it's too late". That looked pretty good. Of course, I haven't been to look lately to see what's out there.
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