Ignite Your Life – Part 3: Free From Worry
Mark 4:35-41
Series Memory Verse: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28 (p.863)
- When Things Go Bad, Know That God Is Up To Something.
“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” Psalm 46:1 (p.434)
”As they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger.” Luke 8:23 (p.789)
- Remember Jesus Is In The Boat.
“Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, ‘Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?’” Mark 4:38 (p.764)
“I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b (p.760)
- Trust in Jesus’ Authority Over the Storm.
“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!’ Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm…The disciples were absolutely terrified. ‘Who is this man?’ they asked each other. ‘Even the wind and waves obey him!’” Mark 4:39, 41 (p.764)
”Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.’” Matthew 28:18 (p.760)
- Be a Witness of God’s Love and Power.
“Then he asked them, ‘Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?’” Mark 4:40 (p.764)
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (p.830)
My Next Step This Week:
_____ I will begin each morning with this prayer, “God help me to lead everyone, every day, closer to Jesus.”
LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION
One Thing: When Things Go Bad, Know That God Is Up To Something.
Memory Verse: Romans 8:28 (p.863)
Bible Background: Jesus Calms the Storm – Mark 4:35-41
CONVERSATION STARTER
// Have you ever experienced a fierce storm, with howling winds and rattling windows? Or maybe a peaceful snowfall that covered everything in silence? What emotions did you feel in those moments?
WEEKEND REVIEW
When Things Go Bad, Know That God Is Up To Something.
How you can live that out:
- Remember Jesus Is In The Boat
- Trust in Jesus’ Authority Over the Storm
- Be a Witness of God’s Love and Power
// Was there anything that stood out to you, challenged you, or maybe even confused you?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
// Read Mark 4:35-41 (p.764).
- What does the calming of the storm by Jesus reveal about His authority?
- How might this influence one’s trust in God during life’s challenges?
// Read Psalm 46:1 (p.434).
- What two attributes of God are highlighted, and how do they relate to His response in times of trouble?
- How does the description of God as a refuge and strength provide you comfort for personal trials?
- Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How can you see God’s role as a refuge and strength in that situation
// Read 1 Peter 5:7 (p.937).
- When have you casted your anxieties on God? How did it feel to release that burden?
- How can you develop a habit of turning to God with your worries rather than carrying them on our shoulders?
// Read our Memory Verse Romans 8:28 (p.863).
- What is the promise given to those who love God and are called according to His purpose?
- How does this change your perspective on the purpose and outcome of your struggles?
NEXT STEP
My Next Step This Week:
_____ I will begin each morning with this prayer, “God help me to lead everyone, everyday closer to Jesus.”
DIGGING DEEPER
In times of hardship, it’s vital to remember that God is intricately involved in our lives, shaping our trials into opportunities for growth. These challenges are not signs of His absence but rather the canvas on which He paints His master plan for our good and His glory. Read these verses and reflect on how you can use your trials and storms to bring people closer to Jesus every day.
Lamentations 3:22-23 (p.624) Colossians 3:15 (p.904) Luke 6:46-49 (p.787)