Thinking About Getting Out of the Boat VI
September 10, 2008
Lesson 6: Seeing the Wind
Wednesday and Sunday Adult Bible Class – Fall Lesson Series
West Broad Church of Christ
September 10 and 14, 2008
Dr. J.L. Nesmith, Jr., Facilitator
(Adapted from materials by John Ortberg)
Introduction:
We talked extensively about the fact that walking on water involves exhilaration, risk, faith, and a willingness to expand our spiritual comfort zones. Doing so allows us to experience a degree of accomplishment as we walk on water toward Jesus. But what happens when we are on the water and see the wind?
I. Wind on the Frontier, Wind in the Boat
Sometimes success can seem so close as we live our lives in faith.
• the account of Lewis and Clark
• the account of Peter
Question: What do you do when you think your biggest problems are behind you, only to find out that your greatest challenges have only just begun?
II. Responding to the Wind
What kind of person perseveres despite adversity and fear?
• a review of resilience
• Old Testament resilience
• New Testament resilience
• The attributes of resilience
Resilient people do not passively resign. Question: Think of a problem you are experiencing. How could you move from being passive to exercising control and initiative?
Resilient people remain committed to their values
Resilient people find meaning and purpose in the storm
Question: In view of these three attributes, how would you describe your resilience factor? Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with your level of resilience? Why?
Conclusion:
We will all see the wind as we serve God. If we are faithful Christians, we are out of the boat and walking on water. We will encounter storms, but God calls us to resilience in the face of the wind. We understand the call. The question is, will you take action to respond to that call?
