Kingstanding SDA Church| Sabbath school |Setbacks

Title: Setbacks Read for This Week’s Study: Mark 4:35–41; Mark 5:21–34; Rom. 5:3–5; Job 19:23–27; Job 23:8–12; Luke 24:13–27; Rom. 8:18, 28. Scripture: “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:3–5, NKJV). Summary: One evening, as the sun dipped over the horizon, a girl was walking home when a dark storm blew in. She quickened her pace, knowing there was still a way to go. A lone raindrop fell on her cheek, then another, and, before she knew it, she was drenched. She started to run toward the front door of her home, where her father rushed to meet her. He had been watching her from the front window. As he wrapped a blanket around her shoulders, he asked her, “I saw you just now, in the rain. Why, with every bolt of lightning, did you stop running to look up and smile?” “Oh, I stopped to look up,” she said, “because God was taking my picture!” What is our response when the storms of life come or when we have certain setbacks in our relationship with God? Do we put our head down as the rain pelts upon our backs or do we look up, knowing and trusting that God is there as we turn our face toward Him? This week, we’ll explore some responses we often have when life is challenging. We’ll consider how we might use life’s setbacks to strengthen, not weaken, our most important relationship. Further Thought: It’s when we face life’s challenges that we most need to cling to God. The topics we’ve explored throughout this quarter all contribute to keeping or refreshing a strong walk with God. When you face a setback such as a health challenge, financial difficulties, a marriage breakdown, the death of someone close to you, or another burden that robs you of joy, consider the following questions and reflect on the lessons studied thus far. Discussion Questions: 1. How has whatever setback you are facing, or have faced, impacted your picture of God? How can you more clearly see God’s true character? 2. When did you last pray for God’s voice in your life to be stronger than the enemy’s? Remember that the thief (Satan) comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but God gives abundant life (John 10:10). 3. Is your heart humble? Do you trust that God is still sovereign and leading in your life, despite hardship? If not, how can you learn this humble trust in the goodness and love of God for you personally? 4. Are you keeping yourself grounded in God’s Word daily? Ask God to reignite your first love for Him as you pass through challenging times. 5. When did you last turn to God as your Comforter and Counselor in prayer, trusting that He has kept His promise never to leave you nor forsake you (Heb. 13:5)? 6. If your faith is weak, pray, “ ‘Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!’ ” (Mark 9:24, NKJV). Surround yourself with people who can encourage rather than discourage you. 7. The world doesn’t always care for the weak, ignorant, wounded, and broken. God’s message of “When you are weak, my power is strong” (2 Cor. 12:9, WE) is a message that can radically transform people’s lives. Think of someone you might encourage with this message today. Summary: We still live in a sinful world full of pain and suffering, and each of us faces hardships at some point in our lives, things that can cause us to question God’s love. As we look back on how various individuals in the Bible responded to life’s setbacks, we can take courage that our response in such times can strengthen our walk with God, who does not change (Mal. 3:6) and whose love remains constant. We hope you have a blessed day with us Don't forget to Like, Share, Hype and Subscribe!