Encounter. Lesson Series:

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1 Lesson Series: Encounter Gifts of the Georgia Baptists through the Cooperative Program enable us to partner together in fulfilling the Great Commission. Date updated: 4/4/2016

2 ENCOUNTERING GOD IN THE TESTS OF LIFE Whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything. James 1:2-4 (NLT) Leader s Guide

3 ENCOUNTERING GOD IN THE TESTS OF LIFE Written by Steve Roach Steve Roach and Georgia Baptist Youth Ministries, 2004 Georgia Baptist Youth Ministries Georgia Baptist Convention 2930 Flowers Road South Atlanta, GA Phone:1.800.RING.GBC Fax: Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. All scriptures are from the NIV unless otherwise noted. Scripture quotations marked (TEV) are taken from The Good News Bible, Today s English Version, copyright New York: American Bible Society. Scripture quotations marked (CEV) are taken from the Contemporary English Version, copyright New York: American Bible Society. Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois All rights reserved. 2

4 Introduction In this curriculum we will study six Old Testament characters that faced major tests of character in their lives. From their encounters, we will discover some principles for passing the same tests in our lives. As we pass these tests, our faith will grow strong and our walk with God more authentic. When the topic of faith comes up, I always recall a quote from Bible teacher and present citizen of heaven, Ron Dunn, An untested faith is a worthless faith. The characters we will study had great faith because of what they learned from the tests they encountered! Here are the sessions we will study: Session One Abraham When Life Doesn t Make Sense Session Two Jacob When You Just Can t Wait Session Three Joseph When You Feel Lonely Session Four Nehemiah When You Face Distractions Session Five David When You Have Spare Time Session Six Daniel When You Want Worldly Success 3

5 Session One Abraham: When Life Doesn t Make Sense Teaching Goal I want these students to trust God even when they don t have the answers to their Why, God? questions. It s the Why, God? question that many of us ask when senseless tragedies and difficulties cause us to wonder why God would allow them into our lives. Introduction Ideas Help students think of times when they may have questioned God during some difficult times in their lives. Parents going through a divorce Death of a friend or family member Family had to move to a new town because a parent s job change A friend talks bad about you behind your back When you are abused Tell a personal story of a time when you experienced a difficulty that caused you to want to question God. Tell how God helped you through it as you trusted Him. Tell the following story: A young boy was driving a hayrack down the road when the wagon fell over in front of a farmer's house. The farmer came out, saw the young boy crying, and said, "Son, don't worry about this, we can fix it. Right now dinner's ready. Why don't you come in and eat with us and then I'll help you put the hay back on the rack." The boy said, "No, I can't. My father is going to be very angry with me." The farmer said, "Now don't worry, just come in and have some lunch and you'll feel better." The boy said, "I'm just afraid my father is going to be very angry with me." The farmer and the young boy went inside and had dinner. Afterwards, as they walked outside to the hayrack, the farmer said, "Now, son, don't you feel better after that great meal?" The boy said, "Yes but I just know that my father will be very angry with me." The farmer said, "Nonsense. Where is your father anyway?" The boy said, "He's under that wagon." Stories for Preachers and Teachers, Vol. 1 4

6 Scripture How we respond to life s tests shows a lot about our maturity! Obviously, this young boy hadn t matured enough to respond appropriately. [22:1] Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied. [2] Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about." [3] Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. [4] On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. [5] He said to his servants, "Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you." [6] Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, [7] Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, "Father?" "Yes, my son?" Abraham replied. "The fire and wood are here," Isaac said, "but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?" [8] Abraham answered, "God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." And the two of them went on together. [9] When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. [10] Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. [11] But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied. [12] "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." [13] Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. [14] So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided." [15] The angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time [16] and said, "I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, [17] I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, [18] and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me." [19] Then Abraham returned to his servants, and they set off together for Beersheba. And Abraham stayed in Beersheba. Genesis 22:1-19 [17] By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, [18] even though God had said to him, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned." [19] Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death. Hebrews 11:

7 Study Questions (For study purposes and/or during teaching) 1. Many times, God had promised Abraham that He would create a nation through his son, Isaac (12:1 3, 7; 13:14 17; 15:1 21; 17:1 22; 18:1 15). In Genesis 22:1-2, Abraham receives some instructions from God that seem to contradict God s promise. How would you have responded to God had you been Abraham? 2. According to Genesis 22:3, what was Abraham s immediate response? Does his response strike you as ordinary or extraordinary? 3. How does Hebrews 11:17-19 explain Abraham s actions in Genesis 22:9-10? Abraham had the confidence that even if Isaac had to die, God would raise him from the dead to fulfill His promise of many descendants. Abraham knew that God would not lie. Abraham s confidence in God keeping His word is also found in verses 5 & Beginning in verse 11, what was God s response to Abraham s act of faith? God provided a ram for sacrifice; God promised to bless him by making his descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore; His descendants would take possession of the cities of their enemies; and through his offspring, all nations on earth would be blessed. 5. What did God want to produce in Abraham s life through this testing? To develop and mature his faith. (See James 2:21-22) God didn t have all of Abraham until He had all of Isaac. God didn t want Isaac, He wanted Abraham s heart. 6. What insight does James 1:2-4 give us about why God tests us as believers? God wants to produce mature, Christlike character in our lives through testing. Through previous encounters with God (See Genesis 18, 21:1-8), Abraham had learned something about God. What did Abraham know about God that helped him trust God when faced with the prospect of losing his own son? 6

8 Student Outline Begins Here When life didn t make sense, Abraham still trusted God. I. When life doesn t make sense 1. I CAN TRUST GOD TO KEEP HIS WORD Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. Genesis 21:1-2 God s word once seemed impossible and even humorous to Abraham and Sarah. Abraham learned a valuable truth through Isaac s birth no matter how impossible the situation, God is always true to His Word. God had promised Abraham that a great nation would come through Isaac s descendants. All of God s promises to Abraham hinged on Isaac. If God killed Isaac, He would be breaking all His promises. Abraham faced and passed this test of his faith. Abraham thought to himself, Why should I sacrifice my son, the same son that all of your promises of a great nation depend on? I don t get it God but I do know that you will keep your word even if you have to raise him from the dead, you will stay faithful and true. The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. Psalm 145:13b 2. I CAN TRUST GOD TO BRING GOOD FROM BAD Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have a son. Genesis 18:14 Abraham and Sarah had given up on ever having children together. In fact, the idea seemed rather funny considering their age (90 years old). Abraham even tried to circumvent the process by bearing a son (Ishmael) through an Egyptian maidservant. God s promise, however, would come through a son that Sarah would have. Through Isaac s birth, Abraham learned that no circumstance is too difficult for God to handle! 7

9 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. Romans 8:28 3. I CAN TRUST GOD TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT Far be it from you (God) to do such a thing--to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right? Genesis 18:25 Even though God s command didn t make sense on the surface, Abraham knew God would do the right thing. God didn t want to kill Isaac. He only wanted to test Abraham s faith and see how much he trusted in the promise God had given him. When we don t have the answers to senseless tragedies and trying circumstances, we can be sure that God will always do the right thing. Even when everything around us seems to be going wrong, God will do the right thing in our lives to see us grow and mature in our faith. The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. Psalm 25:8 (NLT) II. When I experience hard times 1. SEEK GOD MORE THAN HIS ANSWERS Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Proverbs 3:5 (TEV) Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8 Many of the unexplained and difficult times in our lives have no immediate explanation. It may be many years later when we discover God s reason for allowing us to go through a trial. And sometimes, we may never understand why God allowed us to experience it. In seeking answers, we may or may not find what we are looking for. But, when we seek God, we will always find what (or Who) we re looking for. And, by seeking God, we will better understand God s character and ways. 8

10 2. ALLOW GOD TO BUILD MY CHARACTER My friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble. You know that you learn to endure by having your faith tested. But you must learn to endure everything, so that you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything. James 1:2-4 (CEV) Every Christian goes through a required course in life: Hard Knocks 101. God knows that an untested faith is a worthless faith. When our faith is tested, we have a choice we can depend our own resources or we can learn to depend more fully on God. Every time we put our faith in God during the various trials in our lives, He develops a different area of our character. God s ultimate goal is to shape our character to exactly resemble that of His Son, Jesus Christ. 3. LOOK TO HELP OTHERS So when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your benefit and salvation! For when God comforts us, it is so that we, in turn, can be an encouragement to you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. 2 Corinthians 1:6 (NLT) When trials and difficulties come into our lives we must be careful. Hard times have a way of making us think we are the center of the universe. We may become so focused on our own discomfort and anxieties that we forget about the needs of others around us. We are a good steward of God s grace in our lives when we look to empathize with others in need, especially those experiencing similar difficulties. 9

11 Talk Back Questions Breaking the Ice: What is one of life s great mysteries (in your opinion) that this group can help you solve? 1. What do you think was going through Abraham s mind when he was about to sacrifice his son, Isaac? 2. Why is it hard for us to tolerate unanswered questions? 3. Do you feel that God owes you an answer to all of your Why? questions? 4. Have you ever been tempted to doubt God s goodness because of a difficulty you have faced? 5. Write a prayer to God, asking Him to give you the strength to grow your faith even if you never get the answer you are looking for. Prayer: Close your group time by asking God to give you a greater faith to trust Him when things in life don t make sense. Ask God to help you see His heart when you can t see His hand. 10

12 Teaching Goal Session Two Jacob: When You Just Can t Wait I want these students to trust God during times of waiting. God tests our faith by allowing us to experience extended periods of waiting. We might be waiting on God to bring us someone to marry or to help us find employment. Maybe it s an answer to a prayer we ve lifted up to God for years. The question we often ask God during this time of testing is When, God? Introduction Ideas Help students think of time where they may get tired of waiting To get a car To get a driver s license To graduate from High School To wait until marriage before having sex To resist getting back at someone who has hurt you. Tell a personal story about having your patience tested. Talk about the benefits of trusting God in times of waiting. Tell the following story: The old train was creeping slowly through the countryside when suddenly it came to a dead stop. The only passenger in the car, a salesman riding the line for the first time, asked the conductor why they had stopped. The conductor said, "Nothing to worry about, sir. There's a cow on the tracks." In about ten minutes the train got under way again, but after chugging along for a mile or two, it again ground to a halt. "Just a temporary delay," the conductor said. "We'll be on our way shortly." The exasperated salesman asked, "What is it now? Did we catch up to the cow again?" James S. Hewett, Illustrations Unlimited, p There are many things in our day that can test our patience. God will allow us to go through extended periods of time where we must exercise great patience. 11

13 Scripture [16] Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. [17] Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel was lovely in form, and beautiful. [18] Jacob was in love with Rachel and said, "I'll work for you seven years in return for your younger daughter Rachel." [19] Laban said, "It's better that I give her to you than to some other man. Stay here with me." [20] So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her. [21] Then Jacob said to Laban, "Give me my wife. My time is completed, and I want to lie with her." [22] So Laban brought together all the people of the place and gave a feast. [23] But when evening came, he took his daughter Leah and gave her to Jacob, and Jacob lay with her. [24] And Laban gave his servant girl Zilpah to his daughter as her maidservant. [25] When morning came, there was Leah! So Jacob said to Laban, "What is this you have done to me? I served you for Rachel, didn't I? Why have you deceived me?" [26] Laban replied, "It is not our custom here to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older one. [27] Finish this daughter's bridal week; then we will give you the younger one also, in return for another seven years of work." [28] And Jacob did so. He finished the week with Leah, and then Laban gave him his daughter Rachel to be his wife. [29] Laban gave his servant girl Bilhah to his daughter Rachel as her maidservant. [30] Jacob lay with Rachel also, and he loved Rachel more than Leah. And he worked for Laban another seven years. Genesis 29:16-30 Study Questions (For study purposes and/or during teaching) 1. In verse 18, Jacob makes an offer to Laban to marry his daughter Rachel in return for seven years of work. If you were Laban, how would you feel about Jacob s request? In O.T. times, it was customary for the groom to pay the father of his bride in money or cattle. To us, this might seem like a father is selling his daughter or a groom is buying his wife. But in that day, it meant something else. This gift acknowledged the fact that the father was losing a productive member of his family, and also showed that the husband placed a high value on his wife-to-be. While Jacob had no wealth when he came to Laban, he did offer to work seven years for Rachel. His offer was high and reflected his deep love for her. 2. In light of Jacob s previous deception [Genesis 27:19], how was God turning the table on Jacob? Jacob was a substitute for his brother Esau in deceiving his father. Now Leah was a substitute for her sister Rachel in deceiving Jacob. He did not recognize Leah as his father did not recognize him. Jacob must have learned how it felt to be deceived and cheated out of something that was rightfully his. 12

14 3. In verse 25, Jacob became angry toward Laban for not getting Rachel at the time she was promised to him. Why did Jacob say that he deserved Rachel? He had been faithful to his 7-year commitment to serve Laban thus, earning the right to marry Rachel. It s also interesting to note that Rachel means ewe and Leah means wild cow. No wonder Jacob was ticked off! 4. What was Jacob s subsequent response to Laban s deception and new deal to finish Leah s wedding week and work another seven years? Verse 28 And Jacob did so. What would have been your response to Laban s new deal if you had been Jacob? Student Outline Begins Here God took Jacob the deceiver through a time of testing to grow his faith. I. What does God want to do in me as I endure times of waiting? 1. PROVE MY FAITHFULNESS In the past, Jacob had sought to take matters into his own hands and deceive his father and brother (Genesis 27). God wanted to see if Jacob would be willing to keep his commitment (7 years as Laban s servant) without trying to circumvent his arrangement with Laban to have Rachel as his wife. God wanted to see if Jacob would continue taking shortcuts or whether he would learn what it means to be faithful to God and others. As a result of his continued faithfulness, Jacob would eventually have a son named Joseph who would save Israel during a severe famine. Jacob s commitment: Jacob was in love with Rachel and said, "I'll work for you seven years in return for your younger daughter Rachel." Genesis 29:18 Jacob s faithfulness to his commitment: So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her. Genesis 29:20 2. DEVELOP MY CHARACTER Patience is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and a character quality that God wants to develop in our lives. Time and unfulfilled desires are two primary ways that God builds the character quality of patience in our lives. Patience is the 13

15 natural result of a deep and abiding trust in God s ability to provide for our needs. Signs of Jacob s impatience (notice the selfish tone of these two verses): Then Jacob said to Laban, "Give me my wife. My time is completed, and I want to lie with her." Genesis 29:21 When morning came, there was Leah! So Jacob said to Laban, "What is this you have done to me? I served you for Rachel, didn't I? Why have you deceived me?" Genesis 29:25 Jacob s character began to grow through this testing: Laban said: Finish this daughter's bridal week; then we will give you the younger one also, in return for another seven years of work." And Jacob did so. Genesis 29:27-28 II. How to WAIT on God during tests of patience: W WATCH MY FEELINGS Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 Never allow your emotions to sway your trust in God s goodness. Waiting is not easy for us but often a necessary tool that God uses to stretch our faith. And, besides, God is never late! A ALLOW FOR A DIFFERENT PLAN In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 We might think that we need something when in actuality, we don t. God may withhold something good in our lives so that He can give us a better yes later on. Be careful about putting God in a box. God may have another way of meeting your needs. 14

16 I INSIST ON DOING RIGHT Wait for the Lord and keep his way. Psalm 37:34a When we grow impatient, we are often tempted to take shortcuts and violate our convictions. Remember Galatians 6:7 A man reaps what he sows. T TRUST IN GOD S WISDOM For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6 God is too wise to be mistaken. When we can t trace His hand, we can trust His heart. God knows what we need and WHEN we need it. 15

17 Talk Back Questions Breaking the Ice: What is the longest you ve had to wait on something you ve really wanted? 1. What kind of patience would you have shown Laban had you been Jacob? 2. What is the greatest test of patience that you ve ever been through? 3. Are you going through a test of patience right now? How have you grown as a result of it? 4. Have you ever gone ahead of God? Explain. 5. Do you believe this commonly used phrase: Good things come to those who wait? Have you ever experienced it? Prayer: Let each person share about an area of their life that tests their patience. Close in prayer by asking God to help each person learn to trust in Him more fully during times of waiting. 16

18 Teaching Goal Session Three Joseph: When You Feel Lonely I want these students to grow closer to God during times where they feel lonely. When we feel forgotten, abandoned, shunned, isolated, or unimportant we will likely battle loneliness. During the test of loneliness, the question asked most often is, Where are you, God? Introduction Ideas Tell a personal story about a lonely time in your life and how you trusted God through it. Tell the following story: A preacher was preaching to his congregation concerning heaven and hell. To emphasize the difference between the two, he asked that all who wanted to go to heaven to stand up. The entire congregation rose. He then asked all who wanted to go to hell to stand up. No one stood up. For full dramatic impact he waited for several seconds before continuing. But during that pause a small boy slowly rose to his feet. The astonished priest spoke to the boy: "Surely a fine young man like you doesn't want to go to hell." The boy answered, "Well of course not, but I just couldn't stand the sight of you standing there all alone." Stories for Preachers and Teachers, Vol. 1 Loneliness is difficult because God designed us for community and mutual encouragement. Even this young boy felt bad for this preacher who appeared to be all alone! Scripture Background Passages: Genesis 37, Focal Passages: Genesis 39:20-23; 40:14-15, 23; 41:1, 14-16,

19 [20] Joseph's master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king's prisoners were confined. But while Joseph was there in the prison, [21] the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. [22] So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. [23] The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph's care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did. Genesis 39:20-23 [14] But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison. [15] For I was forcibly carried off from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing to deserve being put in a dungeon." [23] The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him. Genesis 40:14-15, 23 [41:1] When two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream: He was standing by the Nile, [14] So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon. When he had shaved and changed his clothes, he came before Pharaoh. [15] Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it." [16] "I cannot do it," Joseph replied to Pharaoh, "but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires." Genesis 41:1, [39] Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. [40] You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you." [41] So Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt." [42] Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his finger and put it on Joseph's finger. He dressed him in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. [43] He had him ride in a chariot as his second-in-command, and men shouted before him, "Make way!" Thus he put him in charge of the whole land of Egypt. Genesis 41:

20 Study Questions (For study purposes and/or during teaching) 1. Joseph was undeservingly thrown into jail even though he did the right thing by resisting the advance of Potiphar s wife (Genesis 39:1-20). What would have been your response to God? 2. What insight does Genesis 39:22-23 give us about how Joseph handled his sudden abandonment and imprisonment? He was successful in all he did, even to the point of being put in charge of the jail! 3. How is Joseph an example of how to obey the command of 1 Corinthians 10:31? 4. Joseph was forgotten by the cupbearer. How do you think Joseph may have felt? How would you have felt? 5. What insight does Genesis 40:16 give us about Joseph s faith in God two years after being forgotten by the cupbearer? Joseph was still submitting to God s wisdom and authority in all matters. I. Potential sources of loneliness: 1. THE PLACES WE GO Student Outline Begins Here Joseph's master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king's prisoners were confined Genesis 39:20 Joseph was sold as a slave and abandoned to a prison. Joseph could have given into loneliness and become bitter toward God, but he didn t. Have you ever moved because one of your parents served in the military or had a job transfer? Some might feel lonely at school. Others might experience feelings of loneliness when at home. 2. THE PROBLEMS WE HAVE For I was forcibly carried off from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing to deserve being put in a dungeon." Genesis 40:15 Joseph had big problems. But, he fought through them. When we encounter difficulties in life, we are tempted to shut everyone off around us and keep our worries, hurts, and stress inside. We may feel there is no one that we can talk to. 19

21 3. THE PEOPLE WE KNOW But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison... The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him. Genesis 40:14, 23 Joseph asked the cupbearer to remember him when he met with Pharoah but he forgot him. Joseph spent two more years in prison, longing to gain his freedom. The apostle Paul also knew how it felt to be let down by people. In 2 Timothy 4:16, Paul wrote, At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. Has anyone let you down? II. When I feel lonely and forgotten, I need to remember: 1. GOD IS ALWAYS WITH ME the LORD was with him Genesis 39:21 Even during times when we feel like we re all alone, we re never alone as believers. Joseph may have been forgotten in a prison, but he wasn t alone. The Lord was with him. Even if our prayers seem like they are hitting the ceiling, we can be sure that God will never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). 2. GOD IS ALWAYS AT WORK He (God) showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph's care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did. Genesis 39:21-23 See also Genesis 41:1, 14-16; 41:39-43 Joseph learned that even if it seemed that God had forgotten him, He was still working on His behalf in the background. God was more interested in Joseph s character than his comfort. Joseph needed to have a character that was capable of handling the responsibility that God would give him of saving the nation of Israel during a famine. 20

22 Talk Back Questions Breaking the Ice: Who are the most popular students in your school? What makes them popular? Who are the loneliest people in your school? Why are they lonely? 1. How would you have responded to God had you been in Joseph s shoes during the years of slavery and false imprisonment? 2. When have you felt abandoned, distant, or forgotten by God? 3. Is it possible to be busy, successful, and surrounded by people and still be lonely? Explain. 4. How can God use feelings of loneliness to grow our faith? Prayer: Close your group time by asking God to give each person in your group a sense of God s presence during times where they might feel alone. 21

23 Teaching Goal Session Four Nehemiah: When You Face Distractions I want these students to follow and serve God without becoming distracted. Most of us face the test of distractions every day. This test comes when we face distractions that may keep us from serving God. It s the God, can I get back to you later? question that many of us are tempted to ask when we are faced with the various distractions of life. Introduction Ideas Tell the following story: On April 3, 1998, an air traffic control supervisor spilled his coffee in the control tower of New York City s LaGuardia Airport. Another controller turned to help clean up the mess but the supervisor said, Don t worry, I ll get it. By the time the controller got his bearings back on the planes, two jets came within twenty feet of colliding with each other about two hundred feet above the runway intersection. The coffee spill caused the controller to miss a needed call for one jet to abort its landing. Consequently, a US Airways plane passed beneath the tail of an Air Canada jet at 130 mph. Fortunately, nobody was injured, but the potential for disaster was enormous. One hundred people nearly lost their lives because of spilled coffee. Misplaced priorities frequently don t seem real significant, but they are laden with potentially disastrous results. Houston Chronicle, June 29, 1998, p. 6A Utilize the following illustration/visual: Stephen Covey shared a visual illustration that powerfully demonstrates the urgent need for priorities. A seminar leader introduced the audience to a widemouthed gallon jar. He then showed them some fist-sized rocks and asked them to guess how many rocks would fit in the jar. The audience made their guesses as he filled up the jar with those large rocks. He then asked, Is the container full? They looked at the jar full of rocks and replied, Yes. He smiled, then pulled out some gravel and began pouring it into the jar until it reached the rim. He then asked, Is it full? This time the listeners were thinking differently. They replied, Probably not. He affirmed their response while reaching for some sand. Once the sand came to the top, his question returned, Is it full? By now the audience 22

24 was in tune with the ploy. They shouted, No. He smiled and began pouring water until the jar was filled to the brim. Then he asked, What s the point? Someone instantly said, Well, there are gaps, and if you really work at it, you can always fit more into your life. The reply was rather stern. No, that s not the point! The point is this: If you hadn t put these big rocks in first, would you ever have gotten any of them in? If we fail to give our highest priorities our greatest attention, something of lesser significance will quickly take their place and fill up our time. First Things First, Stephen Covey, 1994, p. 88 Tell the following story: There is a story involving Yogi Berra, the well-known catcher for the New York Yankees, and Hank Aaron, who at that time was the chief power hitter for the Milwaukee Braves. The teams were playng in the World Series, and as usual Yogi was keeping up his ceaseless chatter, intended to pep up his teammates on the one hand, and distract the Milwaukee batters on the other. As Aaron came to the plate, Yogi tried to distract him by saying, "Henry, you're holding the bat wrong. You're supposed to hold it so you can read the trademark." Aaron didn't say anything, but when the next pitch came he hit it into the left-field bleachers. After rounding the bases and touching home plate, Aaron looked at Yogi Berra and said, "I didn't come up here to read." - Nehemiah, Learning to Lead, J.M. Boice, Revell, 1990, p. 38. In this lesson, we will look at how Nehemiah completed a great work for God in the midst of distractions that competed for his time and energy. Scripture Background: The Jews were in exile under Babylonian rule. Nehemiah was was born in captivity and was serving as the cupbearer to the Persian King, Artaxerxes, in the city of Shushan (also known as Susa). Nehemiah became burdened over the fact that Jerusalem s city walls remained in ruins. In that day, any city without walls was a disgrace and was defenseless against attack. After receiving permission from the King to travel to Jerusalem, the home town of his descendants, he rallied the people to rebuild their walls. In an amazing display of leadership, Nehemiah led the people to rebuild the walls in 52 days! When word came to Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab and the rest of our enemies that I had rebuilt the wall and not a gap was left in it--though up to that time I had not set the doors in the gates-- [2] Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: "Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono." But they were scheming to harm me; [3] so I sent messengers to them with this reply: "I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?" [4] Four times they sent me the same message, and each time I gave them the same answer. [5] Then, the fifth time, Sanballat sent his aide to me with the same message, and in his hand was an unsealed letter [6] in which was written: 23

25 "It is reported among the nations--and Geshem says it is true--that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and therefore you are building the wall. Moreover, according to these reports you are about to become their king [7] and have even appointed prophets to make this proclamation about you in Jerusalem: 'There is a king in Judah!' Now this report will get back to the king; so come, let us confer together." [8] I sent him this reply: "Nothing like what you are saying is happening; you are just making it up out of your head." [9] They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, "Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed." But I prayed, "Now strengthen my hands." [10] One day I went to the house of Shemaiah son of Delaiah, the son of Mehetabel, who was shut in at his home. He said, "Let us meet in the house of God, inside the temple, and let us close the temple doors, because men are coming to kill you--by night they are coming to kill you." [11] But I said, "Should a man like me run away? Or should one like me go into the temple to save his life? I will not go!" [12] I realized that God had not sent him, but that he had prophesied against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. [13] He had been hired to intimidate me so that I would commit a sin by doing this, and then they would give me a bad name to discredit me. [14] Remember Tobiah and Sanballat, O my God, because of what they have done; remember also the prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the prophets who have been trying to intimidate me. [15] So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days. [16] When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God. Study Questions (For study purposes and/or during teaching) Nehemiah 6: Nehemiah s enemies invited him to meet with them on the plain of Ono, 25 miles northwest of Jerusalem, a day s journey. According to verse 2, how did Nehemiah view this invitation? He knew this invitation came from those who wanted to harm him. He knew their intentions based on past encounters he had with them (2:19, 4:1-3). 2. According to verse 3, what was Nehemiah s response to this invitation? Nehemiah said, I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you? In other words, Nehemiah told them that God had given him a great vision that must be completed. This work was his primary focus and responsibility and he would not allow anyone to distract him from it. 24

26 3. According to verse 4, how many times did this same invitation come to Nehemiah? Four times. 4. What answer did Nehemiah give to each invitation? The same answer I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. 5. In verses 5-6, Nehemiah received the same invitation but with an unsealed letter. What was the significance of the unsealed letter? Nehemiah s enemies became frustrated with their failed attempts to lure Nehemiah away from the project. Now they sent an unsealed letter (which could be opened and read by whoever came in contact with it) which was designed to start rumors that Nehemiah was rebuilding the walls because he had plans to overthrow King Artaxerxes. 6. What was Nehemiah s response this fifth invitation and unsealed letter? He sent a bold and direct reply back to his enemies that the letter was a lie they had made up in order to scare him and his workers. Then, Nehemiah prayed for strength. 7. In verses 10-14, another attempt was made to distract Nehemiah. What was it and what was Nehemiah s response? Tobiah and Sanballat had hired a priest, claiming to be a prophet, to scare Nehemiah into hiding from assassins. He realized that God had not sent him but that he had been hired by his enemies. Nehemiah responded, I will not go! Then, he prayed for his enemies and others who had tried to intimidate him. Student Outline Begins Here Nehemiah stayed focused on the task of rebuilding the walls around Jerusalem in spite of numerous distractions. I. Common distractions that keep us from following and serving God: 1. BUSYNESS Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: "Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono." Four times they sent me the same message, and each time I gave them the same answer. Nehemiah 6:2, 4 In modern day lingo, Nehemiah was getting the same spam in his inbox time after time. He was tempted to fill his day with endless meetings instead of doing what God had told him to do. We can get so busy doing good things that we stop doing the God things. 25

27 2. RELATIONSHIPS Then, the fifth time, Sanballat sent his aide to me with the same message, and in his hand was an unsealed letter in which was written: "It is reported among the nations--and Geshem says it is true--that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and therefore you are building the wall. Moreover, according to these reports you are about to become their king and have even appointed prophets to make this proclamation about you in Jerusalem: 'There is a king in Judah!' Now this report will get back to the king; so come, let us confer together." I sent him this reply: "Nothing like what you are saying is happening; you are just making it up out of your head." Nehemiah 6:5-8 Remember, in Nehemiah s day there were no phones, televisions, newspapers, or internet. Letters were the primary way of communicating information. An unsealed letter was the best source for juicy gossip. Without a seal, a letter could be read by anyone without the knowledge of the recipient. This was the intent of Nehemiah s enemies. They didn t like Nehemiah or what he was doing. Spreading gossip about Nehemiah s motive for rebuilding the wall was their sole desire. And you thought you had relationship problems! When relationships go bad, life just stinks! Relationship difficulties can easily derail us from following and serving God. We must stay focused on the most important relationship in our lives our relationship with God! 3. FEAR They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, "Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed." But I prayed, "Now strengthen my hands." One day I went to the house of Shemaiah son of Delaiah, the son of Mehetabel, who was shut in at his home. He said, "Let us meet in the house of God, inside the temple, and let us close the temple doors, because men are coming to kill you--by night they are coming to kill you." But I said, "Should a man like me run away? Or should one like me go into the temple to save his life? I will not go!" I realized that God had not sent him, but that he had prophesied against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. He had been hired to intimidate me so that I would commit a sin by doing this, and then they would give me a bad name to discredit me. Remember Tobiah and Sanballat, O my God, because of what they have done; remember also the prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the prophets who have been trying to intimidate me. Nehemiah 6:9-14 While hired assassins may not come knocking on your door, there are other fears that the enemy will use to keep you from following and serving God. Some of these might include the fear of what others will say the fear of being labeled a fanatic the fear of being isolated by your friends etc. 26

28 II. Nehemiah s keys for eliminating distractions: 1. SET UP GODLY PRIORITIES I sent messengers to them with this reply: "I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?" Nehemiah 6:3 Nehemiah s priority was to fulfill a God-given vision and burden to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem. We know that we have priorities in place when we can say no. Nehemiah was working on a great project and would not come down until it was completed. He had learned to say no so he could realize a greater yes for God. 2. LEARN TO DISCERN But they were scheming to harm me. Nehemiah 6:2b I sent him this reply: "Nothing like what you are saying is happening; you are just making it up out of your head." Nehemiah 6:8 I realized that God had not sent him, but that he had prophesied against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. Nehemiah 6:12 Nehemiah was able to discern what was from God and what wasn t. He knew the source of these distractions and wouldn t let them keep him from finishing the project. He knew that every opportunity that came his way was not necessarily an invitation from God. 3. ASK GOD FOR HELP But I prayed, Now strengthen my hands. Nehemiah 6:9b Remember Tobiah and Sanballat, O my God, because of what they have done; remember also the prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the prophets who have been trying to intimidate me. Nehemiah 6:14 Nehemiah prayed for strength and also for his enemies. He knew that by himself, he was too weak to deal with the distractions before him. 27

29 Talk Back Questions Breaking the Ice: What distracts you the most from doing your homework Television, telephone, internet, friends, school activities, sports/hobbies, or something else? 1. What is the greatest potential distraction in your life to following and serving God at school? How well are you dealing with this distraction? 2. What is the greatest potential distraction in your life to following and serving God at home? How well are you dealing with this distraction? 3. What is the greatest potential distraction in your life to following and serving God at church? How well are you dealing with this distraction? 4. Which one of the following areas is your weakest in your approach to dealing with distractions that keep you from following and serving God? Your Priorities? Your Discernment? Your Prayers? Prayer: Share the one distraction that most often keeps you from following and serving God like you should. Then, support each other in prayer, asking God for strength to stay focused on following and serving Him. 28

30 Teaching Goal Session Five David: When You Have Spare Time I want thee students to be constructive with the use of their spare time. Many of us seem to struggle with busyness. On the other end of the spectrum, there is another struggle with how we use our time idleness. What do we think about, where do we go, and what do we do during these down times? The test of idleness for many of us comes early in the morning when we choose to read the paper or our Bible. It might come in the evenings when we have a choice to watch endless hours of television or invest in relationships with our family and friends. It may also come late at night when we are in front of a computer and are tempted to click on an inappropriate web site. Will we use our time wisely or will we allow the enemy to move in and subtly drag us into destructive habits of sin? Introduction Ideas: Tell the following illustration: Forbes magazine researched the subject of success and failure and found that the number one factor for success or failure was time management. What is true in the business community can also be true among Christians and their spiritual maturity. Christian stewardship requires the effective management of one's time. - Time Management for the Busy Pastor, Bob Logan Use the following stats about pornography on the internet: The Industry 1. Over $10-Billion spent on porn annually. 2. Larger than NFL, NBA, Major League Baseball combined 3. Over two million known porn site URL s 4. More than 2,500 new sites coming online every week The Scale of the Problem 1. Nine out of 10 children aged between eight and 16 have viewed pornography on the Internet. In most cases, the sex sites were accessed unintentionally when a child, often in the process of doing homework, used 29

31 a seemingly innocent sounding word to search for information or pictures. (London School of Economics January 2002) million Americans visit cyber-sex sites between 1-10 hours per week. Another 4.7 million in excess of 11 hours per week. (MSNBC/Stanford/Duquesne Study, Washington Times 1/26/ 00) 6. Even 51% of pastors say cyber porn is a possible temptation. 37% say it is a current struggle (Christianity Today, Leadership Survey, December 2001) million Americans visit cyber-sex sites between 1-10 hours per week. Another 4.7 million in excess of 11 hours per week. (MSNBC/Stanford/Duquesne Study, Washington Times, 1/26/2000) 8. 63% of men attending "Men, Romance & Integrity Seminars" admit to struggling with porn in the past year. Two-thirds are in church leadership and 10% are pastors (Pastor's Family Bulletin, Focus on the Family, March 2000) in 7 calls to Focus' Pastoral Care Line is about Internet pornography (Pastor's Family Bulletin, Focus on the Family, March 2000). Tell the following quotes: ''Most misfortunes are the result of misused time.'' - Napoleon Hill ''Most of modern man's troubles stem from too much time on his hands and not enough on his knees.'' - Vern Boyett Tell the following story: A mother had been working with her young son teaching him to tell time with a non digital clock. For several days they had been talking about the small hand and the big hand. When she heard him walk into the kitchen where they have a clock with hands, she called out from the other room, Cameron, what is the little hand on? He yelled back, A chocolate chip cookie. NEWSLETTER Newsletter, July 2000, p. 6 In this session, we will study how David, the King of Israel, allowed sin to creep into his life during a time of idleness. Scripture Background: 2 Samuel 11:1-27 Focus Passage: 2 Samuel 11:1-5 In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king's men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem. 30