Lesson 1:
Think of a time when God did an amazing work in a friend's life. What hope did that give you?
I began thinking of the road that Cassie Hillsman traveled, and the faith demonstrated, the faith that grew, and the awe that was given to God in his majesty for the plans he has for each and every one of us. This road was evidence to me that God still performs miracles today, and though things may not happen on our timeline, God's timeline is always purposeful and perfect. The flesh is interesting in that we tend to believe that we know what is best, and how things should happen. Even amongst friends, we are always giving advice and guidance. And we also do this with our God who has everything mapped out for us, even before we existed. We almost, at times, think that we are "better" than God, or know more than him, or would like to offer him advice. But I digress from the question. A child's faith is very different than an adult's faith, and even their spiritual experiences differ. Children seem to be more perceptive of spiritual intervention. Adults have had blinders put on, from societal and life influences that sway our minds from thinking that the spiritual realm is distinct from ours, and that we cannot co-exist or intermingle throughout life. Cassie claimed total and complete healing, after such a time that others would have lost hope. Before doctors could run tests to confirm or deny - Cassie claimed it and held onto her knowledge of God's healing power. Adults seem to be too quick to place restrictions on God's powers, and so when things don't occur in our time frames, or how we wanted them to, God suddenly isn't very powerful, and couldn't possibly perform miracles. How quickly Satan takes a hold of our doubts and fears and amplifies each and every one.
Luke 1:5-25
What kind of reputation did Zechariah and Elizabeth have in their community?
They were holy and blameless. As perfect a pair were, these two were it. They never broke any of God's laws.
How did Zechariah and Elizabeth Cope with the humiliation of childlessness?
They remained faithful despite difficult circumstances.
The angel promised a child. In what way did this offer hope to Zechariah in his situation?
It gave Zechariah a lineage to pass down his name to. It affirmed Zechariah's obedience to God.
Why did Zechariah doubt God's promise?
Because both he and his wife were too old to typically bear children.
In what way did Elizabeth react to the fulfillment of the angel's prophecy?
She declared that it was God who allowed her to bear a child, and that all the naysayers would need to "eat their words".
Why do we sometimes doubt God's desire to fulfill our deepest longings?
Our deepest longings can seem too extravagant. I am conditioned not to get my hopes up, and so "dreaming" of the impossible sets me up for a let-down. However, nothing is impossible to the God that created the heaven's and Earth. We also recognize that we are sinners, and as such believe that God would not grant favor on sinners. Examples in the bible include a good portion of people who followed God's laws perfectly - such as Zechariah and Elizabeth. We place too little worth on ourselves, and too little faith on God's powers.
What comfort or encouragement does this passage offer to us when we find ourselves in seemingless hopeless situations?
God can surprise you when you least expect it with a grand "solution". Our flesh may feel defeated, but God is more powerful than flesh. Only through much refinement will the silversmith have enough silver to make the most beautiful jewelry. Our trials make us appreciate God's beautiful gifts all the more so.
What steps can we take to deal with feelings of hopelessness?
We can pray for God to lose the ties that we have placed on ourselves and our dreams. We can pray for God to direct us to wise counsel or specific passages or specific readings that would uplift us and remind us of his promises. We may need to readjust what we think should happen, and be open and available to what God has in store for us. At times, we corner ourselves so that we can only feel hopeless. However, God will give us a door so that we may walk into the next room.
In what ways does this passage affect your attitude toward your frustrations and problems?
This passage gives light in a dark room; it provides hope for miracles to happen. It reminds us that everything is in God's timing, and when God's timing occurs, WONDERFUL things happen.
What is keeping you from expecting God to do spectacular things in your life?
Self doubt and a feeling of "Why me". There are so many other great people that deserve to have their hopes and dreams fulfilled. I am a lowly sinner who is trying to figure this out - which may be part of my problem. It is not for me to ask why - but to respond - "yes Lord, I will do your will".
In what way can you demonstrate your faith in God's promises?
Affirm His power to do anything. Review scripture where God makes promises to others, and absorb that he always keeps his promises.
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