God, Why? “Why didn’t God answer my prayer?” – Week 3
Speaker: Pedro Erasmus
Worship: Listen to “Our Father by Bethel Music” during group worship and your personal devotional time. This song reminds us that when we call on His name, He hears us and wants us to worship Him in spirit and truth. Let it be here on earth as it is in Heaven. For His is the kingdom and glory, forever and ever, Amen.
Check-In: Go around the group and share how or what the impact of the series “God, why?” has been in your life.
Bible Readings: Psalm 119:105; Psalm 23:4; Jeremiah 33:3; Exodus 2:23–25; Matthew 19:26; Mark 1:11; 1 John 4:7; Hebrews 13:5; Romans 8:31; Matthew 5:23–24; 1 Peter 3:7; 1 John 4:20; Isaiah 55:8–9; Deuteronomy 29:29; Luke 15:20
Preparation and Discussion for Group Time: Ps Pedro shared his own story of asking “God, why?” (Listen to the sermon again on YouTube), why Donovan Coetzee, why not me? Asking “Why?” isn’t a sign of being unspiritual, or having a lack of faith, it is our humanity engaging with God. In life, we will go through struggles, pain, disappointment, betrayal, illness, etc.
It is important for us to know that God invites our questions, He invites us to bring our broken hearts, broken dreams, our hurts, and disappointments to Him.
- What resonated with you from Ps Pedro’s story that helped you with your “why God?” questions or that turned you back towards God to give thanks? Share with your group.
- There were 4 things that Ps Pedro said that he embraced on this journey of “God, why?”. That he believed with all his heart and how he used them to rest with a deeper understanding and peace regarding the ‘why’ questions.
• God heard his every prayer and answered always.
• He is God’s beloved child.
• He must live a life walking in forgiveness.
• He came to trust God with the unknowns.
As you re-read the verses of Scripture that were shared (verses above), what do you need to hold onto for your ‘why’ journey of answered prayer at this moment? What do you need to do? - Do you have a list of questions like Ps Pedro to ask God one day? A list of why God questions? Why not turn it around and make another list – a list of how God could use what you’re going through for His glory?
Here are a few you can use to get started:
• How might God make this mess into a message?
• How might God use your current chaos to make you into a man or woman who walks by faith, not by sight?
• How might God use your situation to show you that true peace is found only in Him?
• How might God use an untimely death to stir the hearts of others and show them the importance of eternal security in the life to come?
Our faithful and compassionate God allows us to ask any question we want no matter how difficult. When the time is right, move forward by asking how. Share with the group if you were able to take your ‘why’ list and turn it into a ‘how’ list.
Check out and Prayer:
Re-read Luke 15:20 “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.” We don’t ever have to fear asking why, from needing forgiveness or to forgive, Jesus is waiting for us to return to Him, just like in this verse of Scripture.
Break up into pairs and pray for one another as you have shared tonight, asking God to help you with your ‘why’ or with your doubt or with your fear. Surrendering all of it to Him. Check-in with the person you prayed for during the week.
Love God:
Meditate on Jeremiah 33:3 “Call to Me, and I will answer you.”
For personal study check out the following devotions on YouVersion and RightNow Media:
- 3 Questions every Christian asks.
- What do you want to hear from God?
- Why God allows a crisis?
- Why does God allow pain and suffering?
- God will make a way. By Cloud and Townsend
Love People:
- For upcoming next steps in your discipleship journey; like Baptism or serving. Sign up online at Church Center/ the website.
- Invite a mom to our Mother’s Day service on the 14 May where we’ll have a special guest speaker Candice Chicken from Thrive Church in Boksburg. Download an invite or pick one up at church.
