Putting Faith to Work in Trying Times
Scripture Reading: James 2:14-26
Introduction
Do you wonder what could happen if the economy of our country or many nations of the world remain shut down and people are mandated to stay home for an additional month due to COVID-19 or other flu plagues? What do you think? (Discuss this very briefly.)
The world has been here before. In 1918 the Flu pandemic lasted from January 1918 to December 1920. It infected 500 million people worldwide (a fourth of the world’s population at the time) and killed an estimated 20 to 50 million people. The world has come a long way since then with medical and social improvements in the management of influenza disease. For this reason the infection curve planks quicker limiting casualties. World population has also grown from a modest 2 billion in 1918 to 7 billion today.
In trying times as this, people are more challenged because of limited resources and the risk of violence, looting and civil unrest. The scriptures are replete with examples of Divine intervention in the areas of Divine provision, protection and also instructs us in our responsibility to live and proclaim God’s timeless truth in whatever season. It is our responsibility to believe and walk in faith.
Study & Discussion
With each section following please read the scriptures and use the questions to discuss your findings.
Faith At Work in Divine Provision: 1 Kings 17:1-13
- Who are the principal characters in these verses? How do we connect our circumstances to theirs?
- Where do you see faith at work in these verses?
- Did the famine affect Elijah and the widow in any way at all? Yes or No? Explain your conviction.
Faith at Work in Divine Protection: 2 Kings 6:14-18
- Why was Prophet Elisha fearless and his servant afraid?
- Do you think the servant continued to fear after seeing the spiritual realm?
- Do you believe that we are surrounded and protected by God’s heavenly host? (2 Corinthians 10:4)
- Take 1 minute to pray as a group that God opens our spiritual eyes where needed.
Faith at Work in Proclaiming the Gospel: 2 Timothy 4:1-5, Romans 1:16-17, Mark 16:15, 2 Timothy 4:2, Romans 8:28
- Can we still be effective with the gospel in the present situation?
- What do you think are some practical ways we can extend God’s truth at this time?
- It is not that hard to send a link to someone inviting them to online services and other public events. Try that this week for Sunday.
Conclusion
At a time like this when the economy is faltering with bleak signs of quick recovery, after the pandemic we must embrace the truth of God’s word that He has promised never to leave us or forsake us. As the prophets by the River Jordan declared the Spirit that was on Elijah now rests on Elisha, may the Spirit of the “Ancient of Days” also rest upon us (The Church) in our time for this season to do “exploits” for our God as we put faith to work in these trying times. See Daniel 11:32b (NKJV)
Prayer
- Thank God for and pray a multiplication of blessing on every financial giver to JFC
- Pray for those who would like to give but have serious limitations to experience a breakthrough
- Pray for the permit process to move along swiftly, pray for work teams to help with the speedy construction of the new JFC venue.
- Pray that despite COVID-19 we shall have all the provision we need for the new location
- Pray for God to add new members to us at this time
- Add any prayer requests from small group members
Announcements
- Small-Groups
Small Groups will run each Wednesday to the end of May 2020 - April 17 – Online Youth Hangout at 7pm
Zoom call – details on our events page - April 24 – Online Young Adult Hangout at 7pm
Zoom call – details on our events page