THREE THINGS TO KNOW
DON’T MISS THIS. Has the idea of BAPTISM been on your mind? On June 7, across all Ada Bible Church campuses, we will have another opportunity for people to take this important step of faith. At Ada, we believe that baptism is an outward expression of an inward change that has taken place in our lives after we have placed our faith and trust in Jesus. If you are interested in making this declaration or have questions, we’d love to start a conversation with you! Learn more HERE.
GROUP VALUES. This week, we continue our focus on the group value of PRAYER. Small groups that pray together are groups that support and strengthen one another. There are seasons in life when circumstances feel overwhelming and we are unsure what to do next. Fear, uncertainty, and pressure can leave us feeling powerless. This week, we look at the prayer of Jehoshaphat, who responded to overwhelming circumstances by turning to God alongside his people. Rather than facing the situation alone, they sought the Lord together in dependence and trust. As a group, one of the best ways we can support one another through difficult moments is by bringing our burdens honestly before God together. Through prayer, we remind one another that even when situations feel bigger than us, our eyes can remain fixed on the One who is faithful.
GROW AS A LEADER. This week, we see Jehoshaphat respond to overwhelming circumstances not with panic or self-reliance, but with dependent prayer. As leaders, we can help others navigate difficult seasons by cultivating a healthy and consistent prayer life ourselves. People are often strengthened not just by our advice, but by our willingness to seek God with them and for them. Prayer reminds us that we are not carrying burdens alone and that God is able to do what we cannot. As you continue growing in prayer personally, an additional helpful resource is the book, Prayer, by Tim Keller, which offers practical wisdom on deepening our dependence on God through prayer. Find Keller’s classic, HERE.
SERMON DISCUSSION GUIDE
This week in Powerful Prayers, we looked at the prayer of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20 and explored what it means to trust God when life feels overwhelming. Through this passage, we are reminded that even when we don’t know what to do, we can keep our eyes fixed on God.
ICEBREAKER
What’s a time you got yourself into something that was way beyond your skill level?
THIS WEEK’S TEXT
Have someone read 2 Chronicles 20:6-12 aloud.
What stands out to you about the way Jehoshaphat prays, especially given the circumstances?
What does this passage reveal about dependence on God?
What emotions or circumstances do you think the people would need to be in, in order to pray like this?
THIS WEEK’S SERMON
In our third sermon of POWERFUL PRAYERS, Pastor Jeff focused on how we respond when life feels bigger than our ability to handle it. As a group, name the main points you remember.
Most people eventually face situations that feel beyond their control. What are some things in life today that commonly leave people feeling overwhelmed?
When people feel powerless or uncertain, they often respond in very different ways. What are some common responses people have when they don’t know what to do?
Jehoshaphat chose to turn toward God instead of away from him in the middle of crisis. What helps people keep their focus on God during hard seasons?
Trusting God in a crisis is often connected to seeking him before the crisis comes. Why is it important to build habits of prayer and dependence on God during ordinary seasons of life?
The sermon reminded us that God is the hero of the story, not us. How does remembering God’s power and faithfulness change the way we face overwhelming situations? Do you believe it does?
Sometimes God calls us to trust him before we can see how things will turn out, yet we often try to carry those burdens on our own. Where do you personally find it hardest to trust God right now, and what would it look like to intentionally keep your eyes on him in that area this week?
God’s deliverance, both in other stories and our own, should move us toward gratitude and worship. What is one way you can intentionally thank or worship God this week, even in the middle of uncertainty?
WRAP UP
This week, we discussed what it looks like to trust God when life feels overwhelming, out of control, and uncertain. Jehoshaphat’s prayer reminds us that faith is not pretending everything is fine but choosing to turn our eyes toward God even when we don’t know what to do. What from this conversation or the sermon encouraged or challenged you the most?