Sunday School Lesson Outlines
How To Get Through The Hard Stuff
There are many unforeseen tragedies that we will encounter though our lives here on earth. Divorce, job loss, sickness, death of a child, abuse, etc. It is difficult to know what to say to those who are experiencing tragedy in their lives; but even more difficult to be the one in that situation and trying to figure out how to handle it. Life does not come with an instruction book - or does it? The Bible tells us on many occasions how to handle difficult situations. The Bible is God's instruction book for those of us who are Christians. By holding on to the truths and promises we're about to look at, others will be watching and learning.
Don't Forget God
Granted we should always be in constant communication with God. But sometimes we seem to only call on him when we are going through trials. How sad! But when you're going through the tough stuff, don't forget how awesome your Creator is.
James 1:12-14 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. NASB
Don't forget God and try to do it on your own.
Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. NASB
The God who created you in the womb and knows every hair on your head is an ever-present help. The devil is in charge of anxiety. Remember to look up and pray and hold on tight to your faith. God didn't forget us, but sometimes it seems we have forgotten God. You are a child of the King!
Psalm, 103:17 But the lovingkindness of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children's children, To those who keep His covenant, And who remember His precepts to do them. NASB
Where Is God?
Hebrews 13:6 So that we confidently say, "The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What shall man do to me?" NASB
John 16:13 "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. NASB
As if sending his only son wasn't enough - he knew we were so weak-minded that he sent his Holy Spirit to live inside each of us. So if you wonder where He is, just take a deep look inside. He's been there the whole time.
Romans 8:26-27 And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. NASB
So even in troubled times when don't know what to do or what to ask for - the Holy Spirit does. Though you may be grieving, feeling devastated or hopeless, and wondering what to do - just pray. He will speak to God in groans, if he has to, in order to express what you heart is going through. Lean on other Christians - Don't forsake the fellowship of other believers. There is a picture of this exact necessary act, in the the old testament.
Claim Your Promises
After Moses died, the people were afraid. They had not yet entered the promise land that God was giving to them.
Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." NASB
He will lead you through His plan! And again, in the New Testament He reminds us in a little more detail of what might lead us astray.
Hebrews 13:5-6 Let your character be free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I will never desert you, Nor will I ever forsake you," so that we confidently say, "The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What shall man do to me?" NASB
There Is Nothing God Can't Handle
Even when we think he's not by our side, or we don't see what he's doing, nor don't understand how this could possible be for good - Remember God has had a plan from the beginning of time. When Pharaoh realized he lost all his slaves by letting Moses lead them away after all the plagues that the Egyptians could no longer bare - Pharaoh changed his mind and wanted them all back. The Israelites were afraid.
Exodus 14:13-14 But Moses said to the people, "Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever. The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent. NASB
Also Remember The fellowship Of Believers
It is true that God has placed people in our lives to help us. We get the blessing and the miracle of help, and they receive a blessing. He allows us to help in His plan - to be a part of it. How awesome is that! The Israelites were being attacked by the Amalekites (which were winning). Moses told Joshua to fight, and Joshua did as he was ordered. Moses took Aaron and Hur to the top of the hill, not to run, but to help.
Exodus 17:11-13 So it came about when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands were heavy. Then they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set. So Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. NASB
You see sometimes you're right, we can't do it alone. The best news is we never have to. God is always there. If we are truly saved and striving to honor him; you will see miracle after miracle by angels, friends, and yes, even God himself. Sometimes we don't have - because we don't ask. God wants us to rely on Him, just as we want our children to rely on us. And by the way!
God Is The Same Today As He Was Yesterday
This is the easiest form of witnessing - being open and transparent in you life and decision making, and even how you handle things. For instance things like forgiveness to someone who doesn't deserve it, or helping someone when you really need to be doing something else, etc. Remember we don't deserve Christ dying for us on the cross either. He was able to accomplish this mission by talking to His Father (God) every day – and his twelve close friends.
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