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Week 2:
"God Builds a Nation"
Genesis 12-13, 15-17, 21-22, 32-33, 35; Romans 4; Hebrews 11
Questions for Reflection or Discussion
1. Abraham left his homeland and some of his family in order to follow God. What might God be asking you to give up in order to follow?
2. Abraham & Sarah had to wait almost 25 years for the promise of descendants to be fulfilled. In the meantime, Sarah decided to "help" God by giving Hagar to Abraham to bear a child. Think about a time that God said "Wait," but you wanted to rush ahead. Why is it so hard to be patient and wait on God's will for our lives?
3. Have you made a covenant to be in relationship with God? When? Is it still meaningful today?
4. What step of faith is God calling you to take now, but you are resisting? What can you do to take a leap of faith and move into closer relationship and trust in God, as Abraham did?
Closing in Prayer
- When was a time God called me to step out in faith, but I missed the opportunity? (Confess this to God and ask for the grace to let it go)
- When was a time God invited me to take a bold step of faith and I followed with confidence? (Thank God for carrying you through that time)
- Ask God to give you a sense of where God might be leading you in the future. Commit to follow him, no matter what anyone else might say or think. Ask God to help you be patient as you wait for God's will.
Activity
Abraham took what was most precious to him and surrendered it to God. He would not hold back even his own son. Make a list of five to ten things that mean a great deal to you. One by one, offer them to God. If it is a person, surrender that loved one to the Lord. If it is a material thing, let God know that God has full access to it. If it is a talent or ability, tell God you will use it in service to God. Take everything and freely offer it back to the one who gave you all that you have.
What's Next
Sun. Feb. 10: "Joseph: From Slave to Deputy Pharaoh"
Read ch. 3 of The Story, and/or Genesis 37, 39, 41-48, 50
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