How Faith Works When Life Doesn’t Go As Planned

THE PASSAGE  

2 Kings 3:9-18  

NOTES:

TALK IT OVER 

Icebreaker Question: Share a personal experience when life didn't go as planned, and you had to rely on faith. How did you handle the situation, and what did you learn from it?

1. Read 2 Kings 3:9-18: Discuss the challenging situation the three kings found themselves in. How do you think they initially felt when they ran out of water in the desert? 

2. Jehoshaphat's Expectations: Jehoshaphat expected God to answer their predicament in a particular way. Have you ever had expectations about how God would respond to your prayers or needs? How did God's actual response differ from your expectations? 

3. God's Call to Action: Sometimes God requires us to take action, even when it seems unnecessary or unrelated to the problem. Share examples from your life when you felt God was calling you to take a specific action as part of your spiritual journey. 

4. James 2:18 Discuss the significance of James 2:18 in the context of faith and works. How do faith and action go hand in hand in your walk with God? 

5. Participation in Miracles: Have you ever experienced a situation where God asked you to participate in what seemed like a miraculous outcome? What did you learn from that experience? 

6. Small Faith, Big Results: Reflect on the idea that small acts of faith can lead to significant results. Share stories from your life or the lives of others where small steps of faith had a profound impact. 

7. Application: How can you apply the principles from this sermon to your current life circumstances? Are there situations where you need to trust God, take action, or change your expectations?  

8. Action Step: As a group, plan and commit to weekly actions that apply the sermon's lessons to your spiritual growth and mission to impact the North Valley for Christ. Share these commitments for mutual support, understanding the vital role your faith and actions play in fulfilling our mission. Also, keep in mind our challenge to boost Thursday Night Services to reach those with busy weekend schedules. 

Prayer: Close your discussion by praying together, asking God for the wisdom and faith to recognize opportunities in adversity and the strength to actively participate in His plans, no matter how small our faith may seem.
 

Note to Leaders:  Thank you for leading the group! Keep fostering an open and welcoming environment where members freely discuss the sermon's teachings. Encourage voluntary sharing of thoughts and experiences to support each other's spiritual journey and apply God's truth to real life. This contributes to church growth and our mission to make a difference. Also, ensure that guests feel welcome and follow up with them.