Sermon Recap 🎬
Pastor Michael Wurz highlights the importance of prayer and the transformative power it holds, drawing parallels from Jonah's story. Jonah, a reluctant prophet, tries to flee God's command but finds himself in dire circumstances, ultimately realizing that what seems like a punishment may actually be God's provision. In the belly of the great fish, Jonah prays earnestly, acknowledging his helplessness and God's sovereignty, leading to a renewed commitment to fulfill his vows. The sermon encourages listeners to understand that during their struggles and moments of waiting, they should pray and praise God for what He is doing behind the scenes, affirming that God is always working on their behalf.
Ice Breaker 🧊
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, but it could be any food in the world, what would it be and why? Bonus points if it's something that would make other people laugh!
Discussion Questions 💬
What does it mean to act in faith while you are waiting for God to answer your prayers?
Pastor Michael discussed the idea of praising God before receiving any answers, emphasizing the importance of having faith during times of waiting, similar to how Jonah prayed while in the belly of the fish.
Can you think of a time when you had to wait for something important, and how did your attitude affect your experience during that wait?
How can we differentiate between what we see as problems in our lives and what God might actually be providing for us?
Pastor Michael mentioned that what we often call a problem can actually be God's provision, as shown when God provided a fish to swallow Jonah.
Reflect on a situation in your life that you viewed as a problem. How might you reframe your perspective to see it as a provision from God?
Why do you think it's important to pray with the Word of God, as Pastor Michael suggested Jonah did with the Psalms?
The sermon highlighted how Jonah's prayer mirrored several Psalms, indicating that praying God's Word can give us the words we need when we feel lost.
Have you ever used scripture in your prayers? How could doing that more regularly impact how you feel or what you pray about?
In what ways can we encourage one another to remain steadfast in prayer, especially during difficult times?
Pastor Michael stressed the need for prayer, especially when facing troubles, and emphasized communal support in growing closer to God.
Consider a time you needed support from friends or family. How can you offer that same support to others who might be struggling now?
What does Pastor Michael mean when he says, 'When it's not God's time, you cannot force it; and when it is God's time, you cannot stop it'?
This saying from the sermon reflects the importance of trusting God's timing rather than our own, highlighting Jonah's waiting period in the fish before deliverance.
Think about a time when you tried to rush a situation in your life. What were the outcomes, and how might trusting God's timing change your approach to future situations?
Prayer 🙏
• Ask for God's guidance to help apply the lessons from the sermon in daily life.
• Invite the group to share any personal challenges they’re facing and pray for strength.
• Pray for those who feel lost or alone, asking for God's presence to be felt strongly in their lives.
• Remember to thank God for His provision and grace in difficult times.