Change: Facing the Unexpected Copyright 2016 by Q Place Copyright 2004 by Beth Seversen

Transcription

1 All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system without written permission from Q Place, P.O. Box 1581, Wheaton, IL, 60187, USA; ; info@qplace.com. Change: Facing the Unexpected Copyright 2016 by Q Place Copyright 2004 by Beth Seversen Cover photo: Sovlanik/Shutterstock First Q Place printing 2016 Printed in the United States of America ISBN

2 CONTENTS GETTING STARTED How to Use this Discussion Guide What Is a Q Place? Q Place Guidelines Q Place Discussion Tips... 7 Tools for Studying the Bible in a Q Place When You Are the Question-Asker CHANGE: Facing the Unexpected Introduction Facing Change God s Provision Exodus 23: A Cure for Isolation God s Presence 1 Kings A Comfort for Loss God s Sovereignty Genesis A Remedy When You Are Overwhelmed God s Strength Psalm Support in Discouragement God s Loving-kindness Ruth The Reality in the Midst of Disruption God s Plan Jeremiah 29: A Route Out of Temptation God s Faithfulness 1 Peter 5: A Cause for Celebration God s Blessing Ezra

3 Change Facing the Unexpected Introduction My husband and I are amazed at the number of for sale signs in our community. Everyone knows someone out of work. Personally we have never known so many people affected by job instability. And it is not just the economy. We are in a season of life where so much seems to be changing. Parents are aging, and with that come difficult decisions and new complications. Death of parents and inlaws brings the end of an era in our lives. Our health is fluctuating. Adult children marry or relocate to the other side of the nation. War separates us from family and loved ones. Times are uncertain and unsettling. We experience disruption, fear, grief, isolation, insecurity, loneliness, loss, temptation, and weariness. How do we face the unexpected? I think the answer lies in seeking to know the Lord God better. The Scriptures reveal how God dealt with men and women who faced many of the things we do. By examining their abandonment to God in dependence and faith, we are better equipped to face adversity, surprise, and upheaval. As I studied the many facets of God s character in preparing this discussion series, I was reminded of why I love and worship the Lord. I witnessed him restore Joseph to his family and the Israelites to their homeland. I watched him rescue David from the treacherous hands of Saul and his armies. I saw him renew Elijah s strength and call him to continued service. I observed God revive the hearts of the exiles in Babylon and bring them back to restore his worship in Jerusalem. God cared for the concerns of his people and God cares about us today. He has our well-being in mind. He will provide for the present, and he has a plan for our future. As God worked through the events of history, he will work through the events of our lives to fulfill his purposes. As you seek to know God more intimately, may you taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8). Introduction 9

4 1Exodus 23:20-33 Facing Change God s Provision The director of an Irish mission was planning to retire in four years, and he had already started praying for his replacement. The mission wanted to identify the new director within the following year so that this individual could be adequately mentored for the position. Why so soon? Change is challenging, and a smooth transition would benefit both parties and prevent the work of the ministry from being hindered. When change enters our lives, we often feel insecure and inadequate. 1. Recall a major change in your life. How did God prepare you? How did he provide for you in the change? Read Exodus 23:20-33 Note: Through God s intervention, the Israelites have escaped from slavery in Egypt and are camped near the desert of Mt. Sinai. 2. What do you learn about the setting for this episode in Israel s history from Exodus 19:1-6? Facing Change God s Provision 11

5 3. List all that God will do according to Exodus 23: What do you learn about God from this narrative? What are God s specific instructions to the Israelites and his expectations? 4. How does God prepare Israel for the next part of his plan for them? 5. What will God do through his angel (verses 20-23)? 6. Name the nations listed in Exodus 23: Change: Facing the Unexpected

6 What do you learn about their beliefs and practices from verse 24? 7. What does God promise to do for his people (verse 31)? 8. What is the source of tension in this passage? 9. Locate the land God promises to give Israel on a map of the lands of the Bible. What would compromise the success of God s plan for acquiring the land? Note: The desert is the Desert of Sinai. 10. Outline the sequence of events promised by God in verses 20, 23, 25-26, Note: Exodus 23 is part of a large body of instructions the Lord gives to Moses to pass on to the Israelites. See Exodus 20:1, 22; 24:1. Facing Change God s Provision 13

7 11. Why doesn t God act to accomplish his intentions all at once? 12. Reread this story and identify the cause and effect relationships. 13. What is God s purpose here, and what are his plans? How will they be accomplished? What rules and schedule must Israel adhere to in order to achieve success? REFLECTION / SUMMARY 1. When facing a change, adversity, or an enemy, why is it important to follow God s guidelines for life? 14 Change: Facing the Unexpected

8 2. If you had been one of the Israelites hearing the message of this passage, how would you have responded? How do you respond to God s commands and promises today? CONCLUSION It is a comfort to know that God had an extensive plan in mind for Israel, and a specific sequential order by which his design was to be fulfilled. God wants to fulfill his purposes in our lives today, and his plans are orderly, specific, personal, and intentional. Just as he intended to bless the Israelites, so he intends to bless us, his children. When we obey his word and follow his instructions, we will enjoy his favor and blessing on our lives. PRAYER Lord, my God, please go ahead of me and prepare my way. Guard me along my way and bring me to the place you have prepared for me on earth and ultimately in eternity. Help me listen to you, pay attention to your words, and not rebel against you. Prepare a place for me where I can flourish and be a blessing to others, a place where I may turn the hearts of your enemies to you. May I worship you alone, not things or money or people or praise; but only you. Bless my food and water. May what I eat and drink not cause my body harm or disease or death. If it pleases you, may I live a full life span. Guide me to help others to know you and honor your name. Help me not to be influenced by evildoers nor become trapped by sin, evil, or your enemies. Thank you that you have a plan and a purpose for my life. I give you my insecurities and choose to trust you. Amen. Facing Change God s Provision 15