Group Member’s Guide
By Ruth Liu,
Communications should be addressed to:
Living Free Ministries, Inc.
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Unless otherwise identified, Scripture quotations in this volume are from the Holy Bible, New International Version ® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Other Scripture quotations marked kjv are from the King James Version of the Bible. Those identified tlb are from The Living Bible, and those identified Phillips are from the New Testament in Modern English, J. B. Phillips, translator. The Scripture quotations marked the message are taken from The Message, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.
©Living Free Ministries, 2012. All rights reserved.
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ISBN 978-1-58119-117-2
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About
the Author
Ruth Wang Liu, Ed.D., is actively involved in Living Free Ministries as a member of the Living Free Ministries, Inc., Board of Directors and as a facilitator at her local church. Having spent most of her career in higher education, Dr. Liu served in faculty and administrative posts at Loma Linda University, University of Illinois, and Southern Adventist University. Now retired, she continues her interest in writing while maintaining active community involvement and service on several non-profit boards. She and her husband, C.Y. Liu, have two adult children and two adorable grandchildren.
Facing Fear, Finding Faith
Introduction— Facing Fear, Finding Faith
Fear, worry, and anxiety are hallmarks of the human experience, yet our loving Father longs for us to be filled with peace. Facing Fear, Finding Faith is a 10-week study designed to introduce participants to a biblical model for overcoming fear while increasing their faith. This model provides a practical, useful step-by-step process for moving beyond fear toward a trusting relationship with Jesus Christ.
Getting Started
Group Size
We suggest that each Facing Fear group have two group leaders (facilitators) and a maximum of 12 participants. Having more than 12 may prevent some from being a part of much-needed discussion.
Preparation Time
The facilitator’s material is written in an almost word-for-word dialogue. However, it is hoped that as you come to know and understand the concepts presented, you will be able to “personalize” each session to better fit your own style. Highlight the points you want to emphasize and make notes for yourself.
Your group is unique—so adapt questions to their needs and situations. Be sensitive to each person who is in your group.
Keep in mind that the answers provided in the leader’s guide for the discussion questions are there only as a tool to assist you and may not be the only “right” answers to the questions being asked.
Become thoroughly familiar with the four elements of each session:
• Introduction
• Self-Awareness
• Spiritual Awareness
• Application
You will find more detail about these on the following page.
The facilitators should meet prior to each session to pray and make final plans. They should also meet briefly after each session to discuss what happened during the meeting and go over any follow-up that may be needed.
The Facing Fear Group Member Guides
Before Session 1, the Facing Fear group member guides should be distributed to each group member. Facilitators should be thoroughly familiar with the material before the first meeting.
Encourage group members to complete the appropriate assignments prior to each group meeting. Through the readings and other exercises in the group member guide, group members can come to each session better prepared for meaningful discussion.
Correlation Between Facilitator’s Guide and Group Member’s Guide
Facilitator’s Guide — This guide is designed to lead the group through the four-phase, small group format. The facilitator’s responsibility is to start the discussion, give it direction, and thereafter simply keep the discussion personal and on track.
The text is presented in the left column. The right column contains tips and pointers for leading the group along with answers to questions. The facilitator will prayerfully present select questions because there are usually more questions than time permits.
Although the text is presented in the Group Member’s Guide, it may not in some cases be word for word as in the Facilitator’s Guide. For example, the Introductions are different in the two guides. The Facilitator’s Guide
is directed toward opening prayer and a go-around question; whereas the Group Member’s Guide focuses on devotions for the week which are a part of the preparation for the upcoming session.
Group Member’s Guide — This guide is designed to be done as homework preparing the participant for meaningful ministry during the small group session. Although the general text is the same as Self-Awareness, Spiritual Awareness, and Application in the Facilitator’s Guide, concentration should be on the group process during the actual group experience.
It is good for the participant to bring the Group Member’s Guide to the group session; however, the participant should be more attentive to the group process rather than trying to find text or written answers in the Group Member’s Guide. Each group member should bring a Bible for meaningful study and application of God’s Word for daily living.
In a Nutshell — The Facilitator’s Guide is designed to lead the group process through Facing Fear. The Group Member’s Guide will prepare the participant for the group meeting.
Suggested Group Format
The group format for each session consists of four elements: Introduction, Self-Awareness, Spiritual Awareness, and Application. There is a reason for each phase. The facilitators should always plan each session with this format in mind.
Part I Introduction (10
minutes)
Begin with prayer. The facilitator may pray or may ask one of the group members to lead in prayer. After the prayer, a sharing question helps put the group at ease and makes the members more comfortable in being a part of the discussion. The lead facilitator should respond to the sharing question first, followed by the co-facilitator. This helps the group members to feel safer in participating in the exercise. After the facilitators have shared, the group members will share one after another around the circle. Always remind group members they are not expected to share if they do not wish to do so. The rule is that everyone works within his or her comfort level and is welcome to pass.
This is not the time for detailed conversation, so ask the members of the group to keep their comments brief. If a person is obviously in pain during the exercise, the facilitator should interrupt the sharing and pray for the person in pain. After prayer, the exercise may resume.
Part II Self-Awareness (20-25
minutes)
After the sharing question, the facilitator will lead the group into the Self-Awareness phase. Self-Awareness is a time to discuss the practical issues involved in Facing Fear. It is important to stay on the subject matter. This is a time to focus on needs and healing, not to have a martyr or pity party.
It is suggested in Self-Awareness that the facilitators ask the group members to share as they wish rather than going around the circle as in the Introduction phase. This is because people are at various comfort levels, and they should not feel pressured to self-disclose if they are uncomfortable. As the group continues to meet, members will feel more and more comfortable in being a part of the discussion.
Remember, prayer is always in order. If a group member is hurting during this phase, stop and pray. One of the facilitators may lead in prayer or ask another group member to pray. This says to the group members that each one is important and that you care about each individual.
Part III Spiritual Awareness (20-25
minutes)
After the Self-Awareness phase, the facilitator will lead the group into the Bible study time. Having briefly explained the topic, the
facilitator should assign Scriptures listed in the Facilitator’s Guide to group members. When each Scripture is called by the facilitator, the group member should read the verse(s). After the verses are read, give time for discussion.
Part IV Application (20 minutes)
This part is actually a continuation of Part III. Ask for volunteers to share their reflections on the question. The facilitators should emphasize the importance of the group members’ applying biblical principles to their lives. Help begins with right thinking. The Bible says, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). Obedience to the Word should follow with right behavior. Right feelings will follow right thinking and right behavior.
1Session
Fear: What Is It?
Introduction
Opening Prayer
Sharing Question
Welcome to our first meeting of the Facing Fear, Finding Faith group. Let’s begin this session by introducing ourselves. My name is . . .
Self-Awareness
We are glad that each of you has joined this group; and in case you are not entirely sure of what this group is all about, let me tell you briefly. This is a time for sharing and digging into God’s Word to discover how we can face our fears with faith as we live out our daily lives in an uncertain world. And as a result of our time together over the next ten weeks, we hope that each of us will experience a deeper abiding trust in our Lord Jesus Christ.
We want this group to be an accepting environment, a safe place where you can share at your own pace and at your own comfort level. To maintain such an environment, we need your commitment to confidentiality—that everything that is said here will be kept in confidence. With every single person making this commitment, we can all be more honest and authentic, freely sharing what’s on our hearts. Would each of you make the commitment that whatever is shared here remains within the confines of your heart and the walls of this room?
Notes
Now let’s just take a moment for you to share what you hope to get out of this group.
In this group, we will not be studying fear as sometimes used in the Scripture—a reverential awe we have toward our holy God and His majesty. Rather, we will study fear as that response to a threat, either real or perceived. Fear is a universal experience and we have all felt it from time to time.
What are some common fears that people have?
Spiritual Awareness Lead–In
Over the next ten weeks, we will go on a journey to discover what the Bible says about fear and how we can apply biblical principles to effectively deal with it so that we can truly experience “the peace of God that transcends all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).
For the purpose of our study, we will generally combine fear, anxiety, and worry because the steps to overcoming them are the same. But for your own information, we will differentiate among the three as follows:
Fear: Cause of the threat is known, and is based in reality.
Anxiety: The threat is unknown. Because the individual cannot pinpoint the source of threat, an overall uneasy feeling of dread results.
Worry: The threat may be known or unknown. The individual is consumed with a nagging, excessive concern.
Notes
Fear is not all negative. In fact, it is necessary for survival for it can warn us of danger.
What are some examples of useful fear?
Please note: It is the negative aspect of fear that becomes troublesome for us. In the coming weeks, we will explore how to handle negative fears in our lives.
Spiritual-Awareness
So how did fear begin in the human race? The first recorded experience of fear is found in Genesis 3:1-15.
Genesis 3:1-15 Why was Adam afraid?
Because Adam was afraid, what did he do?
Notes
Ever since that time, the human race has experienced fear. Fear is not a static state. It is dynamic and can grow quickly and soon take on a life of its own.
What are some examples in your life where your fear exploded far greater than reality?
Let’s look at an amazing story in the Old Testament of how God helped people overcome paralizing fear. The Israelites suffered 430 years of cruel slavery in Egypt, but finally Pharaoh let them go.
Exodus 13:20-22 What happened?
Exodus 14:1-12
Here they are, a ragtag group of men, women, children and livestock, chased by the mighty Egyptian army, which is gaining ground on them. A motley group of slaves–trapped by an army from behind, by a wilderness on both sides, and by the Red Sea in front!
Have you ever felt hemmed in on all sides by your circumstances? With the enemy at your back and an impossible Red Sea in front? And with overwhelming fear gripping your very being?
Exodus 14:13-14; 31
What does Moses tell them to do?
Amazing! What a God! Powerful, mighty and compassionate!
Notes
At times we may be so consumed with fear that we, like the Israelites, complain and work ourselves into a frenzy. Or at other times we may do nothing when the Lord actually wants us to do something.
What does Exodus 14:15 say?
What can we take from the Red Sea experience of the children of Israel and apply to our own lives?
By surrendering totally to God, we will follow His lead . . . standing still when He tells us to and moving forward when He tells us to.
God has given us numerous commands to “fear not” in the Bible. Over and over we find this command followed by a promise, such as found in Isaiah 41:10, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
At this very moment, He invites you to “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
Notes
Take a few moments right now to write your response to His invitation to “cast all your anxiety on Him.” What does this statement mean to you?
How wonderful to have a loving Father who passionately loves us and tenderly cares for us! By spending time with Him each day this week in Bible study, prayer, and meditation, you will experience His love and tender care in a very real way.
Closing Prayer
Notes
2Session The Effects of Fear
Group Member Devotional Reading
Prior to This Session:
In Session 1 we explored the universal nature of fear and how it all began. This week we will discover what fear does to us. But before the next group session, try to spend 30 minutes each day to meet with God in Bible study and prayer. Just as food is essential for survival, God’s Word is vital to your spiritual survival. The Enemy will seek to divert you from God’s Word because he doesn’t want you to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). But it is in these quiet, still moments of your day that you will connect with the Power Source.
Living in fear is not what God wants for us. In fact, nearly every book in the Bible has “fear not” in it! “In the Gospels alone, the most frequent command—given 21 times—is ‘fear not’. The second most frequent command is to love God and each other, which occurs only eight times (Lucado, 23). Even more amazing is that nearly every “fear not” is followed by a promise! God tells us to not be afraid as He comforts us with His reassurance and peace. He liberally sprinkles encouragement throughout His Word. How He must long for us to trust Him! What more could we possibly ask? In the following passages, underline the promise part.
“Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward” (Genesis 15:1).
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
“Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10 NASB).
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified: do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
This week write out some additional Bible verses that tell us to not be afraid and underline the promise part. You may wish to select several of the above verses to memorize.
Notes
Sharing Question
Welcome to our second meeting of the Facing Fear, Finding Faith group. Let’s begin this session by reviewing one of the Scripture passages recommended for your personal devotions this week. Isaiah 41:10, NASB, “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.”
How does this Bible promise especially speak to you?
Self-Awareness
Fear! That very word can strike terror! Fear is one of the most difficult and destructive emotions. Like a boa constrictor, it strikes and then coils itself around us, suffocating the very life out of our being. So many things can bring that boa constrictor into our lives:
• Bills piling up with no way to pay them.
• House headed for foreclosure and you have no place to go.
• Your child strung out on drugs.
• The boss hinting that you may soon lose your job.
• Reeling with shock at the announcement, “I am filing for divorce.”
• Hearing the dreaded news, “You have cancer.”
• Receiving the phone call at 2:00 a.m. “Your son was in a car accident.”
We live in a fear-ridden, uncertain world. Fear by its very nature is so cunning and powerful. It can trick us into believing what is not real as well as not believing what is real. Interestingly, our bodies cannot tell the difference between objective fear (such as a bull chasing after us) or a fear existing in the mind, such as anxiety over a job interview. Either way, the body reacts as if the fear is real by producing a surge of adrenaline in response to the body’s flight-or-fight instinct. This then results in muscle
Notes
tension, increased heart rate, and shortness of breath. Our early life experiences have a profound effect on the way we are now. Some common fears include fears of abandonment, rejection, failure, illness, death, destitution, judgment, God, and even success. Fear can take all kinds of forms. In fact, fear underlies many other emotions and behaviors. For example, what may surface as anger, irritability, aggression, sarcasm, teasing, joking, or arrogance actually may be an unconscious mask for fear or anxiety.
Fear can be—
Collective: A group fear, such as threat of homeland security. Collective fear can be contagious, as people’s fear can feed upon one another sometimes resulting in mass hysteria and inappropriate reactions.
Individual: Personal fear, such as fear of death.
Fear can be—
Extrinsic: Outside of us, such as fear of the bill collectors because of mounting debts.
Intrinsic: Existing in our mind. Our perceptions are often distorted by memories, failures, or disturbing thoughts. They can quickly grow and take control of our lives. For example, we might fear that our teenager might get in an accident whenever he drives the car. Our mind plays out the worst-case scenario every time the phone rings.
Which fear is most common with you, fear outside of yourself or fear in your mind or emotions?
Is there a fear that keeps you from stepping out in God’s freedom?
Notes
Fear, worry, and anxiety can be devastating, affecting our mind, body, and spirit.
They can—
• Contribute to many physical illnesses.
• Wreak havoc with the mind.
• Reduce ability to think clearly.
• Distort reality exponentially in the most negative way.
• “Pull tomorrow’s cloud over today’s sunshine.”
• Become highly contagious, spreading from one person to another.
• Imprison the will.
• Drain energy from productive living.
• Paralyze us from effective action.
• Kill initiative and motivation.
• Extinguish hope.
• Prevent us from deeply loving, planning, and attaining new heights.
• Rob us of the freedom and joy of living.
• Shackle us in bondage to self
Describe briefly one of the above you have experienced.
Spiritual Awareness Lead–In
We often get stuck in our fear, which provides the Enemy, the devil, fertile soil where distrust, discouragement, and hopelessness can grow. We begin to project into the future with “What if . . .” and soon our imagination is in overdrive, and our thinking and perception explode into wild distortions, always imagining the worst-case scenario!
Notes
S piritual-Awareness
The main objective of this session is to know without a doubt that “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV).
Isaiah 26:3
How can we get that peace described in this verse?
So many times throughout Scripture when God, Jesus, and angels appeared to people, the very first word spoken to them was “peace.” Read one example in John 20:19-26.
Furthermore, nearly every letter written in the New Testament includes peace in its greeting and many of the letters include peace in their ending. In fact, before Jesus returned to heaven, what promise did He give in John 14:27?
Yet how often we find ourselves fearful, frenzied, and frantic to the point of desperation, ready to give up. “I’ve had it!!! Enough is enough! I can’t take it anymore!” Ready to give up? Let’s look at Elijah, God’s special prophet who was a good example of this type of fear.
1 Kings 19:1-13
Elijah found himself literally running for his very life. Utterly exhausted. . . totally destitute. . . ready to die . . . he drops to the ground and promptly falls asleep.
According to verses 5-9, how did God provide for Elijah?
What does this say to you today?
Notes
Oh, what a wonderful Father we have. He tenderly cares and provides for us even before we ask!
After an ultra-marathon of running 40 days and 40 nights, Elijah, being terrified and exhausted, finds a cave and collapses in it.
What does God ask Elijah in verses 9 and 13?
Why did He ask this question not once but twice?
Is God asking you the same question He asked Elijah, “What are you doing here, My child? Why are you hiding in your personal cave of fear?”
Take a few moments and write your response.
What an all-wise God! He longs for an intimate relationship with His children and He will go to any lengths to reach us— even allowing us to “hit bottom” and reach a point of desperation if it will turn us back to Him. We may find ourselves:
• Deprived of earthly support
• Bankrupt physically, emotionally, and spiritually
• Resources exhausted
• Utterly dejected
• Hopelessly helpless and helplessly hopeless
It is at this point that we can honestly acknowledge our despair and recognize our need for God. He is right there with us.
Now, think back to a time in your life when you were at a point of desperation and God had intervened.
Looking back, how was this experience a gift of desperation?
Notes
A
pplication
After Elijah expressed his fear, discouragement, and sense of hopelessness to the Lord, how did the Lord reveal Himself to Elijah in 1 Kings 19:11-12?
Imagine, the great God Almighty was not in the wind, He was not in the earthquake, and He was not in the fire, but in “a still small voice”.
Your loving Father wants to have a close personal relationship with you. He may not come to you in the wind, or in an earthquake, or in a fire. He will often come in “a still small voice.”
Give some examples of His “still small voice” and how that caused you to change direction.
Notes
Write down what you can do this week to ensure that you will hear His “still small voice.”
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight” (Psalm 19:14).
Closing Prayer
3Session Expressing the Fear: Naming and Containing It
Notes
Group Member Devotional Reading Prior to This Session:
In Session 2 we discovered the devastating effects of fear. Recall how Elijah was running for his life, hiding in a cave, and ready to give up, when the great God Almighty appeared to him—not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in “a still small voice.” So in order to hear that “gentle whisper,” this week set aside 30 minutes of quiet time each day with God for Bible study, prayer, and meditation.
What insights can you gain from David’s experiences as found in Psalm 23? Take special note of verse 4. Study Psalm 34, especially verses 4 and 6. How can hope be kept alive according to Psalm 30?
Introduction
Opening Prayer
Sharing Question
In many of the Psalms, David expressed his fears in such a gut-wrenchingly honest way, the reader can feel his agony. He sometimes began the Psalms with expressions of fear or discouragement, and then he would wallow in his pity. But notice that he cut the “pity party” short. By doing so, he could soon begin to catch a glimmer of hope; by expressing even a bit of faith and hope. That little bit of faith grew, and soon broke out in full praise and adoration to God!
Have you experienced anxiety or fears that overwhelmed you, but you found relief after expressing them to God and a trusted family member, friend, or professional?
S elf-Awareness
Have you ever felt your inner most core gripped by fear? With all the chaos. conflict, and harassment sucking the lifeblood out of you, you could feel your life closing in? The more you tried to shake loose from this feeling, the tighter the vice-like grip? And soon shadows of doubt and discouragement begin settling in? When our minds are so consumed by anxieties, worries, and fears, it may be helpful to write them down and make a “Worry List.” Identifying our fears with words helps us take the second step of breaking down the walls of fear and denial. Let’s stop and take a few moments to make a personal Worry List of the worries, anxieties, and fears you have in your life right now:
Worry List
Perhaps some of you would be willing to share a couple items from your list.
David—shepherd boy, military genius, and king—knew all about fear. Before he became king, he spent several years of his life as a fugitive, fleeing from his jealous father-in-law King Saul and the great army who sought to kill him. In the Psalms, David pours out his heart and acknowledges his fears, his worries, his despair, and even his sense of hopelessness.
piritual-Awareness
Take a look at Psalm 13.
We can see the steps David took in working through his fears:
1. Expressing the fear (verses 1-2).
2. Exposing the fear by elaborating upon his own condition (verses 3-4).
3. Exchanging the fear for faith as he voices a faint glimmer of faith (verse 5). As David begins to fan the smallest spark of faith, something profound happens.
4. Exercising faith as he breaks out with praise, joy, and thanksgiving (verse 6).
In Psalm 13, take note of how David progressed from fear to faith.
This four-step process is not a neat, one-time process. Each step is not an isolated step, but rather each one merges and overlaps with other steps. At times several steps may be taken simultaneously. Sometimes you may find yourself moving quickly through the steps, and your fears have shrunk as your faith has grown. Other times the process may take longer. Deep-rooted fears often resurface from time to time, and may require going through the steps multiple times. The important thing is to keep moving forward toward faith.
Today we will study the first step of overcoming fear: Expressing the fear.
Name the Fear
• Identify the feeling by putting it into words.
Why is this important?
Why do we sometimes deny or ignore feelings?
Consequently, those unexpressed feelings may come out in inappropriate forms such as physical ailments, sarcasm, or rage.
Notes
How does expressing our fears, doubts, discouragements, and other feelings with God and a trusted friend, pastor, or counselor help us?
We need to share these feelings
v in appropriate ways
v at appropriate times
v with appropriate (trusted) persons
Contain the Fear: Keep it from Growing
• Ask yourself what is this fear doing to me at this very moment? What is the worst-case scenario? Is the Creator-King of the universe able to help me?
• Keep the “pity party” short. It is only natural when putting your fear into words to start feeling sorry for yourself. But rather than staying stuck as a victim, you can be a victor through Christ. Acknowledge the fear but refuse to listen to the voices of your imagination. You may even have to say “stop” out loud to those voices and then breathe a prayer for help.
• Stay in the present; this requires mental discipline. Do not project into the future because your imagination may begin to run wild.
• Breathe slowly and deeply from the abdomen. This reduces the heart rate and relaxes the muscles. With conscious relaxation of both mind and body, your thoughts become less irrational and frantic.
• Get adequate rest, exercise, and good nutrition. Sleep deprivation increases anxiety and decreases effective coping. Exercise reduces anxiety and depression in addition to reaping numerous other benefits.
• Talk with a trusted friend, pastor, or counselor. By talking with appropriate persons, you will be able to see your situation more clearly.
• Do not hesitate to seek professional help if needed.
• Do not isolate yourself socially. Do something enjoyable. Get involved with helping others.
Notes
• Take action. If your feelings result from sin in your life, confess and make it right. If some other action is needed, do it. Procrastination only prolongs the agony.
• Take control of your thoughts. Because fear grows wild like highly malignant cancer cells and makes the thoughts increasingly crazy, the mind must be controlled.
Which two or three of these things do you think would be a good starting point for you?
2 Corinthians 10:4-5
In controlling our thoughts, it is important to trust and focus on God.
Our thoughts need to be taken captive. To whom do we make them obedient?
In what areas do you see the need for refocusing your thoughts and attitude?
Ephesians 4:23-24
What does it mean to be ”renewed in the spirit of your mind?”
Romans 12:2
We trust the Holy Spirit for transformation of the mind. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
“Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:13 NKJV). In this verse Peter gives us 3 R’s:
1. Rein in our thoughts so they don’t run wild.
2. Resist acting upon those thoughts (be sober).
3. Rest our hope upon the grace of Jesus
In addition to the above ways to keep fear from growing, what have you found to be helpful?
Notes
A
pplication
What a wonderful Savior we have! Instead of being anxious and fearful, we can rest our “hope fully upon the grace of Jesus.” We are further instructed to “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
Let’s take a few moments right now to “let your requests be made known to God.”
Prayer Requests
Perhaps you would like to share some of your prayer requests with the group so that we can pray specifically for each other’s needs right now. There is power when God’s people come together in prayer for one another.
Now that we have made our request known to God we can stop worrying. After all, if you pray, why worry?
Notes
Closing Prayer
4Session Exposing the Fear—Taming It
Notes
Group Member Devotional Reading Prior to This Session:
Overcoming fear involves the following process:
1. Express the fear
a. Name it
b. Contain it
2. Expose the fear
a. Tame it
b. Reframe it
3. Exchange the fear for faith
4. Exercising faith
a. Train the faith
c. Sustain the faith
d. Share the faith
Last week we discovered the importance of expressing our fears, because until we do, we will remain stuck and be unable to move forward. This week, we will focus on exposing our fears to Jesus, the Light of the world. As we expose our fears to Jesus, they will shrink. Try to spend 30 minutes each day in quiet time with Him in Bible study, prayer, and praise.
Study Matthew 8:23-27. Keep in mind that some of the disciples were experienced fishermen. Fishing was their livelihood. Rugged, brawny men of the sea, they knew all about storms and had lived through many storms. But when the howling winds, angry waves, and the fierce storm threatened to sink their boat, these strong, seafaring fishermen were terrified! In their frenzied efforts to save themselves, they had forgotten the solution to their predicament. The Savior of the world was right there in their boat with them!
“How often the disciples’ experience is ours! When the tempests of temptation gather and the fierce lightening flashes and the waves sweep over us, we battle with the storm alone, forgetting there is One who can help us. We trust our own strength till our hope is lost, and we are ready to perish. Then we remember Jesus. . . .” (White, 336).
“When all else fails, try Jesus.” Is that how you generally operate? Rather than as last resort, how can you remember to try Him first and get immediate Light exposure? Rather than as last resort, how much better to go to Jesus first! Remember, whenever the storms of life come, Jesus is right there in the boat with you.
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love,” 1 John 4:18 (NKJV). Who is the only one who has perfect love? As we grow more intimate in our relationship with the One who is love, the fears will proportionately recede. But this takes time. We live in a busy, noisy, chaotic society. Read Psalm 46:10. Why is that stillness necessary? When we are caught up in the frenzy of daily living, we forget God is God. In fact, we may just think we are God and try to do in our own strength rather than trust in His strength! But the stillness calms us and puts us in touch with our Creator so that we can hear His voice instead of the noises in our own head. “When every other voice is hushed, and in quietness we wait before Him, the silence of the soul makes more distinct the voice of God,” (White, 363).
Opening Prayer
Sharing Question
In Session 3 we discovered that in order to move beyond fear, we must first express it. This week we explore the importance of exposing fear to the light.
Have you been lost, perhaps in the woods—and darkness was settling in, with everything soon to be pitch black, and you had no source of light? How did you feel?
Notes
elf-Awareness
When we are anxious, fearful, or worried we are lost in darkness. We may find ourselves trying to get out but instead we end up running around in circles.
When trapped in darkness what is your greatest need and where would you find it?
When in a situation like this, sunlight would be a great benefit. Darkness is paralyzing.
Perhaps you have read of people who had gotten lost on a hike and couldn’t find their way out. Night came, and they had no light. As they endured the long, dark, cold night, what do you think went through their minds?
How do you think they felt when the first streaks of daylight finally streaked through the sky?
Malachi 4:2 states, “the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.”
Jesus is the Sun of Righteousness. Only He can bring us true healing and release us from the confining “stall” of fear.
What hope does the last part of this verse give to you personally?
We rejoice because “the sun of righteousness” shines on us.
Spiritual Awareness Lead–In
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever who follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life’” (John 8:12).
Too often our daily lives are so hectic and leave little time for exposure to the Sun of Righteousness, that we become spiritually anemic. We are so busy attending to the urgent that we neglect the essential. Yet daily Light exposure is vital.
Luke 10:38-42
Martha must have been a skilled organizer, hard worker, and gracious hostess. But what did Jesus tell her? Might there be a time to be a Martha? Might it be a matter of priorities?
Do you tend to be a Martha or a Mary?
Notes
S piritual-Awareness
Like Mary, if we spend time with Jesus, the Light of the world, we will have His help in taming our fears. The following are suggested ways to tame the fears:
• Expose your fears to the Light.
1 John 1:5
Light exposure takes time to be effective, and as your Light exposure increases, your fears will not seem so gigantic.
Talk to the Lord about your fears. Even though He knows all about them, tell Him anyway. He understands and sympathizes.
• Take a personal inventory.
2 Corinthians 13:5
Do you have guilt, shame, an unforgiving or ungodly spirit? What do you need to do to make things right?
• Live one day at a time.
Matthew 6:25-34
What situation have you been in where your future looked frightening, but God provided for you just at the right time?
Notes
Lamentations 3:19-23
The Lord’s “compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
At times you may just have to wait for the light of a new day. The darkness of the night always accentuates our problems, making them appear worse. “Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5). As you wait for light of day, try praying and singing the many beautiful, hearttouching hymns of the Christian faith. “By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me—a prayer to the God of my life” (Psalm 42:8).
• Stay in the moment.
Billy Graham writes of a woman so wracked with pain that she could not live one day at a time. “I live one moment at a time, knowing that I can stand that much pain. When that moment is gone, I can live for another moment” (Graham, 1991, 93). We need to stay in the present and stay in His presence.
At the burning bush God told Moses His name: “I AM WHO I AM.” Note that His name is in the present tense. God is the God of the present. He is accessible daily as long as I live.
The following quote from Helen Mellincost says it well: “I was regretting the past and fearing the future. Suddenly God was speaking: “My name is I am.” I waited and God continued: “When you live in the past, with its mistakes and regrets, it is hard. I am not there. My name is not I was. When you live in the future, with its problems and fears, it is hard. I am not there. My name is not I will be. When you live in this moment, it is not hard. I am here. My name is I AM” (www.proverb.twaiwanonline.org/display.php?authoor=Helen+Mellincost&row=0)
• Realize the deceitfulness of the mind.
Jeremiah 17:9
You cannot trust your mind because it can trick you into believing all kinds of lies.
• Think right thoughts.
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about these things.”
Fearful thinking will recur, but keep giving your fear back to God in prayer and then begin praising Him for hearing your prayers. Choose to be joyful even if you do not feel like it.
Notes
• Do the next right thing. Life still has to go on even though we may not feel like going on. We need to continue to fulfill our responsibilities to ourselves, our families, our jobs, and other areas of life. We may at times just force ourselves to “put one foot in front of the other.”
What is the danger of letting ourselves be enslaved by our feelings rather than faithfully doing the next right thing?
Right Thoughts
lead to Right Feelings Right Behavior leads to
Counseling can be thought of as an effort to learn “right thinking”, to choose “right behaviors”, and then to experience “right feelings” (Crabb, 102).
Isaiah 32:17
If we continue in doing right, what has been promised us?
• Praise God.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 How well do you follow Paul’s advice?
Start a praise journal.
In addition to these ways of taming fears, what other ways have helped you when you have been fearful, worried, or anxious?
Notes
A
pplication
Jesus issues us the invitation to “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Write a response to His invitation.
We are Jesus’ children, so preciously dear to Him. His mercy is so wide that it encompasses us! His faithfulness is so great that it is absolutely trustworthy! His love is so amazing that it took Him to the cross! This next week, plan to spend 30 minutes of quiet, quality time with Him each day in Bible study and prayer so that you will find true rest in Him.
Closing Prayer
5Session Exposing the Fear— Reframing It
Group Member Devotional Reading Prior to This Session:
Last week we discovered the importance of exposing our fears to the light, and especially to Jesus, the Light of the world. This week we will continue this study and learn how to reframe our fears. In the Psalms, we find such depth of emotion and such honest expressions of fear and doubt. But interestingly after expressing and exposing the fear, the psalmist is then able to exchange the fear for faith and soon breaks forth in joyful praise! As part of your daily quiet time with Jesus this week, spend some time in Psalms 13 and 22 and identify these verses using the same process introduced on page 21. Now complete the following verse exercises using this process. There are no right or wrong answers.
Psalm 10
1. Express the fear verse 1-11
2. Expose the fear verse 12-13
3. Exchange the fear for faith verse
4. Exercise faith verse
Psalm 109
1. Express the fear
2. Expose the fear
3. Exchange the fear for faith
4. Exercise faith
In some Psalms such as Psalm 77, you will find that the psalmist’s progression through the steps was not a smooth continuous one. This is extremely important to remember because our own progress is not always forward. Sometimes we too regress because fear is so cunning and often will sneak back in. The Enemy at such times will shame us and discourage us. But what should we do, according to Philippians 3:12-14? Try memorizing that passage this week.
Notes
In God’s Word, you will find many, many promises. Here is a sampling of some that you may find helpful:
Psalm 46:1
Proverbs 1:33
Isaiah 41:13
John 14:27
Romans 8:28
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
Philippians 4:19
2 Timothy 1:7
Hebrews 13:6
Opening Prayer
Sharing Question
Last week we discovered how Light exposure will tame the fear. This week we continue our study on Light exposure and how Jesus the Light of the world can help us reframe the fear.
What comes to mind when you think of the word “reframe?”
Our fears can be reframed. By reframing our fears, we will be able to see them in a different light, and with this new perspective, they will not be so overwhelming to us.
Notes
elf-Awareness
Most of the time our progress toward greater trust is not smooth path. We may take one step forward and two steps backward. That’s okay. Do not be discouraged. After all, we are a work in progress because God is not finished with us yet. “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). The important thing is to keep progressing toward faith, even though at times doubts and discouragement may arise. Because the Enemy is still alive and well, he delights in filling us with shame and negativism. But we need not listen to his lies.
What assurance does Psalm 94:17-19 give you?
What experiences have you had in which the Enemy tried to discourage you?
Sometimes, we find ourselves in fearful situations; other times we find the fearful situations in our minds. Either way, the fear can seem very real and cause us severe distress. After all—
• I don’t know why God is allowing me to experience this problem, heartache, or suffering.
• I don’t know how God is going to work this out.
• I don’t know when this situation will be settled.
• I don’t know what tomorrow holds.
• I don’t know when I will die.
• I don’t know what will happen between now and when I die.
In the list above, what three words occur repeatedly?
Notes
What other “I don’t knows” have you experienced?
REMEMBER....
I don’t know, but God does know.
Spiritual Awareness Lead–In
What does Luke 12:6-7 mean to you personally?
Spiritual-Awareness
Philippians 4:4-7
The origin of the word “anxious” comes from the Greek word which means to be “divided or distracted.” In Latin, it has a “choking or strangling” element to the meaning (Swindoll, 35).
In what way have your anxieties and worries “choked” you?
Notes
Paul tells us in the above verses that we need to have an attitude adjustment. Instead of being anxious, what are we to do?
By seeing how God has led us in the past, we quickly recognize that He will not let us down now. We need to practice new behaviors of acknowledging God’s goodness and faithfulness to us, and share our gratitude by serving Him and those around us.
So whether it is in times of fear, trials, pain, or suffering, we can view these times through new frames and take advantage of the opportunity for learning greater trust in Jesus and experiencing His love.
Reframe the Fear:
• Realize that “this too shall pass.” While on this earth, we will experience times on the mountaintop and times in the valley. We may at times descend into the valley before scaling the next mountaintop.
• View your situation as opportunity for growth. Ask yourself, “What can I learn from this? How can I become a better person because of this?”
But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold” (Job 23:10).
• Anticipate with excitement, “This sure is a doozy! Hmmm? I wonder how God is going to solve this one?” “God, this is going to be a challenge, but I believe You can handle it!”
• Pray and praise God for the chance to test His trustworthiness. “Nothing inspires prayer like adversity, sorrow, and humiliation. In these broken times we pray at our best” (Manning, 1996, p. 140).
Notes
• Meditate on God’s promises not your problems. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:35, 38-39).
What does the promise mean to you personally?
• Practice contentment. “…for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:11-13).
What was Paul’s secret in these verses?
Trust that Jesus within you is able to give you contentment in all your circumstances.
• Choose to be joyful. “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
Notes
• Take advantage of the unique position you now have to help and encourage a fellow-struggler. Helping others is a powerful antidote for fear. Instead of focusing on ourselves, we focus on others and their needs, and our fears soon begin loosening their grip on us. You may have heard the advice, “Don’t waste your pain.” In other words, the painful and difficult experiences in your life will be wasted if you don’t use them to provide hope, courage, and strength for yourself and for others.
Can you think of other ways to reframe fear? Describe.
Application
God’s Word is full of assurance of His love and care for us. He has pledged to us so many promises throughout the Scriptures. What a wonderful Heavenly Father we have! “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:20a).
Instead of dwelling on our fears and worries, we can meditate on God’s many promises, personalize them, and memorize them. Make the following two promises your own by inserting your name in the blanks.
“and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver ___________ and ___________ will honor me” (Psalm 50:15).
“For I know the plans I have for ___________, declares the LORD, plans to prosper __________ and not to harm __________, plans to give ___________ a hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).
What other promises from God’s Word have been especially meaningful to you?
This week, try memorizing some of them.
Closing Prayer
Notes
6Session Exchanging Fear for Faith
Group Member Devotional Reading Prior to This Session:
In the last two sessions, we studied about the importance of exposing fear to light—the Light of the world. This week’s study will focus on exchanging fear for faith. Carving time from your hectic daily schedule to meet with God can be a challenge. But the rewards are priceless. As you spend time in your Father’s presence this week, reflect upon some tough times in your life—perhaps times when everything seemed to cave in on you, and you felt you could not endure another minute. How did you cope?
As we study about fear and faith, we need to realize they are similar in that they both can grow and they both can wither away. When I am fearful, I have pushed out faith and have not trusted God. Billy Graham asserts when we are controlled by fear, it becomes a sin, “because fear causes us to doubt God’s promises and disbelieve His love” (Graham, 2006, 182).
In preparation for next week’s group meeting, read 1 Samuel 17:12-51. All Israel was in mass fear because their dreaded enemy, the Philistines, and their giant, Goliath, were coming after them. “And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him and were dreadfully afraid” (verse 24 NKJV). Defeat for Israel seemed certain. Then young David brings food from home to his brothers, whereupon he offers to go against the great giant single- handedly! Where did such courage come from? (verse 37). Although no match for Goliath, David had confidence in God’s power. Why? (verses 34-37). What did David declare to Goliath? (verse 45). Note the profound truth in verse 47 “. . . that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s . . . (verse 47 NKJV). What a lesson! When in difficult circumstances, remember that your battle belongs to the Lord.
Opening Prayer
Notes
Sharing Question
In your personal devotions this week, you will read how all those mighty men of war in Israel were afraid of Goliath. Even the mere mention of his name set their hearts quaking! Yet a young shepherd boy volunteered to go after him. With no military weapons, no military training, no experience whatsoever—David defeated the giant with only five small stones and faith in his God! God gave young David victory over Goliath.
Briefly describe a Goliath you have experienced in your life.
Self-Awareness
Have you ever bought an item at the store and later returned to exchange the item for another one? Or perhaps you simply returned the item and received your money back.
Do you remember bartering an item for another item with a childhood friend? Perhaps before even making the trade, you wanted to be sure the trade was fair and both items were of near equal value. Or perhaps you were hoping the other person wouldn’t realize you would be getting the better end of the deal!
We operate on the barter system—working in exchange for money, trading commodities, exchanging time, energy, and skills in return for goods. An exchange can be considered a transaction in which one thing is traded for another generally of equal value. But God offers us a unique kind of exchange because what is being traded is of vastly unequal value. He invites us to give Him our fears in exchange for something far better—an offer too good to reject!
Notes
Spiritual Awareness Lead–In
What is the trade-off in the following texts?
In place of our. . .God offers us. . .
2 Timothy 1:7
Psalm 23:4
John 14:27
Philippians 4:6-7
Matthew 11:28
Once we have exchanged our fear for faith, we may think that we have conquered fear once and for all, only to have the fear resurface at a later point. Rather than becoming discouraged and then fearing that the fear-faith exchange was just a “crazy idea,” keep in mind that growing faith is an ongoing process. And like any kind of growth, it doesn’t happen overnight.
All of us have had frightening, fearful, and highly anxious times in our childhood which may have spilled over into adulthood. Because of this, we each respond differently to the same situations, and some of us have a more difficult time dealing with our fears. It is a process which requires feeding on the Bread of Life through Bible study, prayer, and Christian support.
S
piritual-Awareness
Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Faith then is not an emotion and does not come by sheer will power, reasoning, or evidence. Faith is not a matter of the mind, but rather of the Spirit. In fact, faith is counter-intuitive much of the time—opposite of what our human reasoning tells us.
What are the dangers of depending upon our own emotions, reasoning, or will power?
Rather than relying on our own short-sighted faulty reasoning, how much better to depend on our Creator and His Word, for He knows the end from the beginning and He knows what is best for us.
Notes
Hebrews 12:2
Faith comes from “Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” “Perfecter” means Jesus is the One who completes or makes perfect our imperfect, shaky faith. “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ” (Romans 10:17). Since faith originates with Jesus, there is no room for bragging or self-glory.
Why is it futile to try to drive out fear by ourselves?
Since we cannot drive out fear by ourselves, we have a choice—to accept His offer to live a faith-filled life or to return to our old fear-tortured self. If we do choose to trade in our fear for faith, He provides full disclosure and gives us the freedom to change our mind. One disclosure is exchanging fear for faith is not a one-time transaction, but rather an ongoing one of continually choosing either to trust God or to trust self. Another disclosure is the transaction does not guarantee a problem-free life.
Why can’t we have that guarantee?
If the transaction does not guarantee a problem-free life, what does it guarantee?
After choosing to enter into the transaction, we need to invest in our faith so it will grow; here are some “investment strategies:”
• Surrender daily to Jesus What does it mean to you personally to surrender to Jesus?
Notes
• Pray for faith. Mark 9:17-24
Imagine the father’s agony over the son’s horrible demonpossessed condition since childhood. It was so bad that “it has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him.”
The father, whose hope is mingled with fear, pleads with Jesus, “But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” Taking a breath, Jesus slowly echoes back the father’s words, “If you can?” (emphasis supplied) Jesus wanted him to hear the doubt and fear in that word “if.” Then Jesus points out to him that “Everything is possible for him who believes.” Suddenly the father realizes that this is his only chance. Mustering up as much faith as possible, he throws himself down and implores with a heart-wrenching cry, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” This father clung to what little faith he had and stretched it. And Jesus filled in the rest! Imagine the joy and gratitude overflowing the father’s heart as he embraced his healed son!
If we hold onto whatever little faith we can muster, God will reward our faith. The reward may be in the form of a direct solution to the problem or, even more importantly, a stronger faith. As our faith is stretched, it will grow. Cling to God no matter what!
“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).
Perhaps you have been in a situation in which you had absolutely nothing left but trust.
What did you do?
• Bathe the fledgling faith in prayer. Prayer changes us and puts us in communion with the Father.
Have you ever had a time when you clung desperately onto your small faith and as a result your faith grew stronger?
Notes
A
pplication
Fear imprisons and shackles us. How God longs to exchange our bondage with His freedom!
The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba Father” (Romans 8:15).
What good news! We no longer have to be living in fear because we are now sons and daughters of God. Abba means “Daddy” and portrays a tender, intimate relationship. Some of us may not have had a positive experience with our earthly father, but we can be sure that God is infinitely better than any earthly father could possibly be. God longs for a tender, loving “Daddy-and-child” relationship with us. Incredible, isn’t it—that the Creator and Ruler of the universe wants to be our Daddy. God patiently waits for you to accept His offer to exchange your fears, anxieties, and worries with His love, faith, and peace. Like the psalmist, may we accept God’s fear-faith exchange as we pray, “Set me free from my prison, that I may praise Your name. . .” (Psalm 142:7).
List some of the fears, anxieties, and worries that have imprisoned you:
Prayer Notes
7Session
Exercising Faith: Training It
Group Member Devotional Reading
Prior to This Session:
In Session 6, we discussed the importance of trusting God with our fears. This week we will explore how we can train that faith. As you spend 30 minutes daily with your loving Daddy in learning more about His love and care for you, you will be strengthening your faith and trust in Him. Meditate on Matthew 14:13-33.
• Why were the disciples so frightened by this storm? After all, they had already
a) Personally experienced Jesus’ power over the wind and sea.
b) Witnessed so many miracles of Jesus.
c) Helped Jesus with the feeding of the 5,000 only a few hours earlier.
• Why was the disciples’ faith so weak? Didn’t Jesus already have an impressive track record?
• After Jesus’ assurance in verse 27, what accounted for Peter’s fear in verse 10?
• What was Jesus’ response in verse 31?
• How do you think He must have felt as he had to repeat the words He had spoken many times to them before?
Fear will drive out faith. Like Peter, we may falter on our faith journey and even take some detours. But as our faith increases, our fears will proportionately recede. However, this may not be a smooth linear process as the fears will creep in again and again. But just as a small child learning to walk, we may fall, but we must get up and continue practicing. Do not be discouraged, but continue forward in faith, trusting as a child explicitly trusts his loving “Daddy.”
Opening Prayer Notes
Notes
Sharing Question
Today is the 7th session of this series on Facing Fear, Finding Faith.
From the previous sessions, what Scriptures come to your mind that bring the most comfort to you? How have they helped?
Self-Awareness
In our devotional passage this week, we saw how Peter’s fear on the stormy sea almost cost him his life.
Sometimes the storms in our lives are external–situations so stormy that we have trouble staying on top.
Other times, the storms are internal–conflicts raging inside of us.
Perhaps you would be willing to share an experience of an external storm or an internal storm?
That night on the sea Jesus had already given the disciples sufficient evidence to trust Him, but yet when the waves came, Peter, who usually was so impetuous, proud, and boastful, was short on trust! Can you relate to Peter—self confident when life goes smoothly but fearful when the waves come? Like Peter, we often focus on the waves rather than on our Savior, even though we know intellectually we must keep our eyes on Jesus.
What waves in your life have overwhelmed you and challenged your faith in Christ?
Describe a time when God provided peace in a difficult situation.
Spiritual Awareness Lead–In
This week we are focusing on training faith. Have you ever trained for an event—such as an athletic event, musical performance, or an important speech?
To prepare for that event, what did you have to do to ensure success?
S
piritual-Awareness
Today we will explore how we can train faith. When we make the choice to accept God’s transaction, we need to continue to invest in our faith by training it. A soldier going into battle has undergone extensive training, otherwise he is ill-equipped to fight the enemy. Training requires rigorous effort, practice, repetition, and continued discipline. On the battleground, the stronger the enemy the more difficult the victory – our journey toward faith may not be quick or smooth. There will be setbacks, advances, and at times, possible defeats. Failure is falling down. Defeat is not getting back up. But we need to remain on course—starting with small steps in making “faith-full” choices, sometimes one step forward and two steps backward but always persevering. Through repeated practice, our faith will grow stronger. Throughout, we have the reassurance God is with us to comfort, encourage, and guide us.
The heaviest warfare is not occurring on some distant battlefield; it is taking place right between our ears—the battlefield of the mind! The Enemy is fighting to capture our mind. After he he conquers your mind, he will be able to control you.
Notes
Romans 12:2
What is necessary for transformation?
We need to train, equip, and arm ourselves for this battle.
Ephesians 6:13-17
Notice in the above graphic that the shield of faith will protect us from the dangerous onslaught of fear. But faith alone without the rest of the armor is not enough. You still need to “put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground” (Ephesians 6:13-17).
God gives us faith as we pray for it, but disciplined desire and disciplined action are both necessary to continue in faith. In warfare, strategic planning can make the difference between life and death, or win and lose. Likewise, careful strategies in our lives can help make the difference between fear and faith.
Notes
Shield of Faith
Helmet of Salvation
Breastplate of Righteousness
Belt of Truth
Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God
Shoes of Readiness for the Gospel of Peace
In addition to the suggested faith-investing strategies in last week’s lesson, here are additional ones:
• Surrender yourself daily to God and His righteousness. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33 ESV).
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:14-16).
What is so reassuring about these verses?
• Saturate yourself with God’s Word. “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).
What does it mean to hide God’s Word in your heart?
As we study God’s word we will get to know Him better; and the better we know Him, the more we trust Him. His love pursues us continuously. As we experience His love, mercy, and power in our lives, we will become more convinced of His trustworthiness.
• Make plans within God’s will. “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? . . .Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand?” (Luke 14:28, 31).
Notes
Careful planning in our lives can prevent the likelihood of fearful outcomes. Preparing for an exam, setting aside a portion of your paycheck for emergency use, practicing diligently before a performance, rehearsing your speech—such planning and preparation can avoid negative surprises. Yet we need to remember: We do the footwork but leave the outcome to God. “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps” (Proverbs 16:9). A wise professor often told her students, “Plan as though you have a thousand years, but live each day as though it were your last.”
• Plant your mustard seed. Jesus replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you” (Luke17:6).
Just as a tiny mustard seed can grow into a huge plant, our tiny faith can grow too, but it must be planted, watered, and cared for.
These are proven helpful suggestions. What else have you found helpful in your own experience?
A pplication
On our life journey, our Commander-in-Chief wants to lead us to victory. His gift to us is life and strength; our gift to Him is trust.
Your Heavenly Father longs to have you trust Him. What is keeping you from trusting Him fully?
What changes do you need to make in your life to trust Him more?
Notes
On a continuum with fear at one end and faith at the other end, we find ourselves at different points at different times in our lives—sometimes even in one day!
Fear—1----2----3----4----5----6----7----8----9----10--Faith
Circle a number on the above continuum indicating where you are right now.
Write a letter to God about where you are and why you are there.
In your devotional time this week, carefully and prayerfully consider how you and your Heavenly Daddy can have a closer, more trusting relationship as you move closer to the Faith end of the continuum.
Closing Prayer
Notes
8Session Exercising Faith: Sustaining It
Group Member Devotional Reading Prior to This Session:
For part of your personal time with God this week, study 2 Kings 5:1-14. In this story, we find a faith that was remarkable. This is all the more surprising because Naaman, his wife, and his servants were all heathens. Where did their faith come from? What does this tell us about the power of the faithful witness of a little girl? Although the narrative account does not go into detail, what do you think might have been some of the ways in which she witnessed? What a contrast to our study last week of the disciples’ lack of faith on the sea—they had been in the very presence of Jesus and had just witnessed many miracles!
Notes
Sharing Question
Last week, we studied how to train faith. Today we will explore ways to sustain faith. Living in a fast paced, “I want it and I want it now” society, we want immediate results. We chafe under the discipline of patience and perseverance. Perhaps you have had a recent experience in which God might be trying to develop patience in you.
Briefly describe what happened.
Opening Prayer
elf-Awareness
In your study this week about Naaman, captain of the Syrian army, did you note that his initial reaction was anger? Yet at the persuasion of his servants, he finally makes a choice to exchange his fear and anger for faith. So with only a faint glimmer of faith, he gingerly steps into the muddy river. Just think, if he had stubbornly refused to step out in faith, he would have missed his chance of healing.
We can easily become discouraged when our prayers are not answered in the way in which we want or within the timetable we have set. Yet God’s ways are not our ways. His timetable is not our timetable. At times His answer may be delayed, denied, or directed differently. In His infinite wisdom, He sees the end from the beginning while we only see through a glass darkly.
Have you waited years for God to answer a prayer and nothing seemed to happen? How did you feel?
Spiritual Awareness Lead–In
We can be assured that God always works through His love and in our best interest. “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).
Notes
piritual-Awareness
God is so patient with us. Perseverance is a godly trait. Naaman’s healing was not instantaneous. What do you think might have been going through his mind after dipping six times and nothing happened other than becoming dirtier and slimier from that muddy river? Perhaps he was getting more and more livid. “Why do I keep dipping in this muddy river like a stupid old fool?” But no, Naaman persevered, and he was healed! Another example of God’s deliverance that was not instantaneous is found in Joshua 6:1-5.
What happened during the first six times?
What would have happened if both Naaman and Joshua had given up after the sixth time?
Have you ever had to keep persisting in doing the right thing even though you couldn’t see immediate results? What happened?
Do not give up before the miracle happens. It may take six times, six years, or 66 years, but if you remain in God’s will, do not lose heart and you will experience His providence.
Sustain the Faith
To sustain and grow our faith, along with the suggestions given in the previous sessions, we need to:
• Stay the course. Be persistent. Do not give up before the miracle happens. “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23).
Describe the hope this verse gives you.
Notes
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us” (Romans 5:1-5).
Suffering accompanied with faith actually brings hope through the following sequence:
suffering → perseverance → character → hope
Suffering without faith brings despair:
suffering → agony → apathy → hopelessness → despair
Suffering may be the result of our own wrong choices; it may be because of someone else’s wrong doing, or it may even be because of our right doing. Regardless, suffering can be used to help us develop patience, which in turn deepens our character and brings us hope.
Contrast people you know who have experienced suffering and have come out “on the other side” and those who have had a life of relative ease and comfort.
How are they different?
• Recognize God’s leading in your journey of faith. Often a person will remark, “Oh, I was just lucky,” or “I sure can thank my lucky stars for this,” when actually it was God intervening. We need to recognize the workings of God in our lives and acknowledge and thank Him. God is with us every step of our journey ready to help us.
• Continue praying and seeking God’s will, not your will. Before His trial and crucifixion, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane and fell to the ground in agony, pleading, “Abba, Father, everything is possible for you. Take this cup away from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will” (Mark 14:36).
• Surround yourself with faithful Christians. They can support and nurture your faith. Seek their help, and you in turn will bless them with your faith experience.
• Build altars as memorials of God’s grace in your life. When Abraham followed God’s call to leave his home and move to a place where God had not revealed to him, he always built an altar to God wherever he spent a night enroute. Years later the children of Israel were able to cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land because God once again miraculously parted the waters. When Joshua built an altar of thanksgiving to the Lord, he was instructed to build it with “uncut stones, on which no iron tool had been used” (Joshua 8:31).
What might be symbolic of the use of whole, uncut stones?
We too can build altars of “Grace Points” in our lives by writing down how God has led us in the past. This simple exercise will strengthen our faith.
• Share your “Grace Points” with others. Not only will it further strengthen your faith, but it will strengthen other people’s faith as well. Moreover, our stories will leave a precious legacy of faith for future generations. “In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them that the flow of the Jordon was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. . . . These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever” (Joshua 4:6,7). “. . .we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done” (Psalm 78:4).
Describe what “Grace Points” means to you personally?
Notes
Application
Take a few moments now to begin building your own altar as a memorial of God’s grace in your life. Let each stone represent a Grace Point.
What are some Grace Points that you would be willing to share with the group right now?
Paul gives us continued reassurance for the future, promising that we will experience continued Grace Points in our lives. What a God! He mercifully shields us from the future but graciously gives us memory for the past. Use those memories of Grace Points to share with others and to give you confidence for the future.
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). This week spend time with this wonderful God and learn more about Him through His Word. Continue adding more Grace Points on your own altar. As you reflect upon your life, you will undoubtedly find many ways in which He has met your needs in the past.
Closing Prayer
9Session Exercising Faith: Sharing It
Group Member Devotional Reading
Prior to This Session:
As part of your devotional time this week, prayerfully study John 9:1-38. After reading the passage through, put yourself in the man’s place. Imagine you had been blind from birth. All you have ever known was total darkness. You’ve never seen a glorious sunset, the softness of billowing clouds, the wonder in a child’s eyes, or the look of love on your mother’s face. You’ve never known the joys of marriage, the satisfaction of employment, or the security of food, clothing, and shelter. You had to sit and beg at the city gates day after day, hoping that someone would take pity on you and drop at least a few paltry coins in your tin cup.
One day a group of men surrounds you and begin talking about you. They ask a man named Jesus if your blindness was caused by your own sins or your parents’ sins. Suddenly total shame engulfs you for you’ve been told all your life that your sins caused you to be born blind. Then you hear Jesus say, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life” (John 9:3).
And then something strange happens. Jesus applies some mud to your unseeing eyes and tells you to go wash in the pool of Siloam. A surge of excitement flows through you, and after you wash the clay from your eyes, something happens —you can see! Thrilled beyond imagination and totally ecstatic, you run home! Your neighbors stare at you. They’re having trouble believing their own eyes! But soon you find yourself the center of controversy and a gathering crowd of curious onlookers surround you.
The Pharisees begin interrogating you as they seethe with anger at the Jesus who healed you. As they discredit Him and try to get you to do the same, they end up hurling insults at you and finally throw you out. But throughout all of this, your personal testimony remains the same: “One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see” (John 9:25)!
What a powerful testimony! Like this blind man, we may not know exactly what happened or explain how it happened or how God worked, but our own experience can testify to God’s goodness in our life!
Notes
Notes
Opening Prayer
Sharing Question
It has been encouraging to hear the group members share their struggles and victories over the last few weeks.
How have you been encouraged by the sharing of other group members life experiences?
S elf-Awareness
As discussed in your devotional material this week, the man who had been blind from birth was put on the spot and drawn into controversy, as he was questioned repeatedly about his healing. However, he refused to be led into the Pharisees’ trap. Rather, he unequivocally stated, “One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see.”
What experience have you had in which you could testify without a doubt to God’s intervention, even though you could not explain it?
As we see God’s work in our lives, we have the responsibility to share our experience with others. No one is immune to set-backs, resurfacing fears, anxieties, worries, and discouragement. On our faith journey, we need the help and encouragement of each other. At times we need fellow faith travelers to come alongside of us and encourage us while at other times we need to bring comfort and hope to others by sharing our own experiences in which God’s goodness carried us through our times of distress.
How did you feel when at the very time you were in need of comfort, support, or encouragement, a caring person came and ministered to you?
Sometimes we are timid, or lacking in confidence to share our faith.
Do you have any anxiety about sharing your faith with others? Describe.
Notes
Spiritual Awareness Lead–In
We have all gone through hardships. Paul, that giant of faith, certainly did—beatings, stonings, imprisonment, harassment. “For when we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within” (2 Corinthians 7:5).
S
piritual-Awareness
2 Corinthians 7:2-7
According to verse 6, Paul found help in God, who comforts the downcast. Near the beginning of this letter, he praises “the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). When like Paul, “harassed at every turn— conflicts on the outside, fears within,” we have a responsibility to God and to ourselves to move forward. Do not stay mired, because the Enemy will pull you down more quickly than quicksand. Now is the time—
1. To cry out to “the God of all comfort.”
2. To seek caring Christians for prayer, support, and encouragement.
God uses people as ambassadors of His comfort. Some of us are very willing to help others, but we ourselves are reluctant to seek out caring Christians when in need of support and encouragement.
How willing are you to seek out others when you need help?
Why do you think it is important to share the comfort we have received from the Lord?
1 Thessalonians 3:6-10
By whom was Paul also comforted?
What an awesome thought! God uses people to carry His comfort! And His special messengers of comfort are those who have personally been “harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within” (2 Corinthians 7:5). Read about these special messengers in 2 Corinthians 1:4-5.
Notes
Paul’s writings are so full of assurance. This is a direct result of his personal experience with fear and suffering and the wonderful comfort and assurance he received from God and fellowbelievers. As God has tenderly led us through our own fears and painful experiences, we are then in a unique position to help others. They will then know that we truly understand for we too have gone through difficulties. As we bring comfort to others, not only will they be comforted but our own faith will be strengthened further.
What experiences have you had in which you intended to be a blessing to another person and you ended up being blessed and strengthened as a result?
Over and over throughout the Bible, we are told to help one another. Paul tells us to “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2). You may think that you cannot do this because you are still struggling and “haven’t arrived.” However, the very fact that you “haven’t arrived” places you in a position to help other, because you can relate to their pain, anxieties, and discouragement. And they in return will know that you understand and care. Even though you may not have all the answers, you can tell of your own experience just like the blind man did when he said, “One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see.” And by sharing your testimony in such a personal way, your faith will grow even more.
Over the past 9 weeks, has someone in this group been a special source of blessing to you? How did you feel as a result?
Hebrews 3:13
We are called to encourage one another daily. What might happen if we don’t do this?
Why do you think the writer frequently emphasizes encouragement?
Notes
Application
Pray for opportunities this week to tell of God’s goodness to you. Remember those Grace Points that you wrote on the stones of the altar last week? Sharing your own experience in no more than a few sentences to those needing encouragement may prove to be a blessing to them as well as furthering your own faith.
Right now, write down some names of those who might need your encouragement this week:
Write a letter to God sharing your need for encouragement and how you plan to be a consistent (as led by the Lord) encourager to others.
Dear God, Notes
Continue to pray for “God-directed” encounters with those to whom you could minister His healing love. Closing Prayer
10Session Exercising Faith: Following the Footsteps of Faith
Notes
Group Member Devotional Reading Prior to This Session:
This week our study focuses on continuing our journey of faith so that we will someday join with all the faithful people of God through the ages of time. There have been some stalwarts of faith throughout history. Read Hebrews 11, the Hall of Faith of the Bible. As you consider some of these faithful people of God, you may become painfully aware of your own lack of faith. But if you look at their lives, you can be sure that they had their doubts and fears too.
For example, known as the father of the faithful, Abraham hadn’t always been full of faith. In fact, on a number of occasions, his faith wavered. Despite Abraham’s great faith when God told him to uproot his huge household to move to an unknown land—not once but twice on that journey, he became so scared that he made a faithless choice with serious consequences. Read about it in Genesis 12:10-20 and Genesis 20:1-18. In spite of Abraham’s lapse of faith, his name is included in the Hall of Faith.
Introduction
Opening Prayer
Notes
Sharing Question
Compared to when you first started in this group 10 weeks ago, what difference, if any, have you seen in the way you now face fear?
Our life journey is not smooth because we sometimes encounter detours and setbacks on our faith journey. Sometimes we may find our faith faltering. The Enemy delights in our setbacks because he can use those times to discourage us to the point of giving up. Do not become discouraged, for you will then be giving the Enemy a foothold. It is at those times that you need a fellow “faith-traveler” to come along side you to encourage you.
Who in this group has been an encouragement to you?
On this journey the body of Christ is called to connect with one another. There are numerous verses in the New Testament that emphasizes such relationships. Some examples are, “be devoted to one another,” “love one another”, “accept one another,” “carry one another’s burdens,” “comfort one another,” “pray for one another,” and “confess your sins to one another.” There are several other “one another” verses.
The Bible tells us to love and help one another. How does this help establish footprints of faith for others to follow?
S elf-Awareness
Notes
Spiritual Awareness Lead–In
Although lacking in faith on so many occasions, Abraham and Sarah are both listed in the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11:8-12. Let’s read it.
More than just mere belief, what does faith always involve?
At times when Abraham’s faith was strong, as well as times when his faith was wavering, God’s faithfulness was still evident. Likewise, there are times in our lives when our faith is weak. Yet we can be certain that God is still faithful.
It is comforting to know that Jesus is always with us. There are times that our Lord will carry us through difficult times. In Exodus 19:3-4, God instructed Moses to tell the people of Israel: “You yourselves have seen…how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.”
There is a famous poem about our Lord carrying us. It is titled “Footprints in the Sand” by Mary Stevenson and speaks of two sets of footprints sometimes and only one set at other times. From the original 1936 text Mary concludes the poem with this explanation, “The Lord replied, ‘the times when you have seen only one set of footprints, is when I carried you.’ ”
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
How is weakness actually a strength?
It is our weakness that qualifies us to come to Jesus Christ. Just as many sports and other events require a ticket for admission, so our weakness is our ticket of admission to Jesus.
What experiences have you had in which you have found Christ’s grace sufficient?
“Whatever your anxieties and trials, spread out your case before the Lord. . . . The weaker and more helpless you know yourself to be, the stronger will you become in His strength. The heavier your burdens, the more blessed the rest in casting them upon the Burden Bearer” (White, 329).
S piritual-Awareness
In the study of Hebrews 11 for this week, we can readily see that some of these giants of faith made some extremely “faithless” choices. God had promised to give Abraham descendents so that he would become the father of many nations, through whom the whole world would be blessed (Romans 4:1). Yet Abraham and his wife, Sarai, remained childless until they were well past childbearing age. Instead of continuing to trust God’s promise of giving them a son, they decided to help God out— and with disastrous results.
Genesis 16:1-9
God in His patience reiterated a number of times His promise that Abraham and Sarai would become parents, but they continued to lack faith. However, God’s promises are sure, and their long-awaited son Isaac was born when Abraham was 100 and Sarah was 90 years of age! Their joy was complete! But before long their joy was tainted with problems and suffering. Read about it in Genesis 21:9-19.
Then one day, the most agonizing test imaginable came to Abraham.
Genesis 22:1-18
What would you have done had you been in Abraham’s situation?
Abraham’s faith was sorely tried, but he sustained his faith and passed the test! What faith! How do you think he got that faith?
By being placed in situations in which his faith was tested, he sometimes passed the test and sometimes he failed. But by acknowledging his lack of faith, which is fear, and exposing it to the Light, he reached out to God and developed greater faith.
How has your faith been tested?
God provides opportunities for us to make small decisions for faith rather than for fear. This then prepares us for the larger decisions in the future. “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much. . . .” (Luke 16:10 NKJV).
Notes
What lessons did you learn from that experience?
What experiences have you had in which you have found Christ’s grace sufficient?
“Whatever your anxieties and trials, spread out your case before the Lord. . . . The weaker and more helpless you know yourself to be, the stronger will you become in His strength. The heavier your burdens, the more blessed the rest in casting them upon the Burden Bearer” (White, 329).
Application
The Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11 has not yet been completed. There is still space for your name. Write how you wish your name to appear:
Example: By faith, _____________ held on to God’s hand and kept trusting Him when my spouse walked out on me.
As we walk together following the footsteps of faith, be encouraged by an inscription at the Hind’s Head Inn, Bray, England, “Fear knocked at the door. Faith answered. No one was there” (Mead, 134).
Closing Prayer
Notes
A Plan of Salvation
How to receive Christ:
1. Admit your need (that you are a sinner).
2. Be willing to turn from your sins (repent).
3. Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave.
4. Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to come in and control your life through the Holy Spirit (receive Him as Savior and Lord).
What to Pray
Dear God,
I know that I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins. I am willing to turn from my sins. I now invite Jesus Christ to come into my heart and life as my personal Savior.
I am willing, by God’s strength, to follow and obey Jesus Christ as the Lord of my life.
Date Signature
The Bible says: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).
“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).
When we receive Christ, we are born into the family of God through the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit, who lives within every believer. This process is called regeneration or the new birth.
Share your decision to receive Christ with another person.
Connect to a local church.
Notes
References
Crabb, Lawrence J. Effective Biblical Counseling. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1977.
Graham, Billy. Hope for the Troubled Heart. Dallas: World Publishing, 1991.
___________. The Journey: How to Live by Faith in an Uncertain World. Nashville: W. Publishing Group, 2006.
Holy Bible, New International Version®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Holy Bible, New King James Version, Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Manning, Brennan. The Signature of Jesus. Sisters, OR: Multnomah Books, 1996.
Mead, Frank S. ed. 12,000 Religious Quotations. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1989.
Mellincost, Helen. “My Name is I AM.” www.proverb.twaiwanonline.org/display.php?author =Helen+Mellincost&row=0.
Stevenson, Mary. “Footprints in the Sand.” www.footprints-inthe-sand.com.
Swindoll, Charles R. Getting through the Tough Stuff. Nashville: W. Publishing Group, 2004.
White, Ellen. The Desire of Ages. Boise, ID: Pacific Press Association, 1940.