Quitting is not an option!

Preacher: Tony Nzanza

Check-in: Share with the group what God has been doing in your life as you have repositioned yourself to praise God in response to His greatness and goodness. Share your favourite worship or praise song from the past 4 weeks that you have had on repeat!

Bible Readings: Psalm 73:1-28 (NIV/NLT); Joshua 1:9 (NLT); Matthew 28: 20b; Hebrews 10:25 (NLT); Isaiah 53:3 (NLT); Hebrews 4: 14-16 (NIV); Isaiah 59: 1 (NIV/MSG); Psalm 46:1 (NLT); Isaiah 40: 28-31 (NIV); Revelation 21:4 (NIV); Jeremiah 32:27 (NLT)

Preparation and Discussion for Group Time:
Tony (Elder) shared this quote with us from “The Road Less Travelled by Scott Peck”: “All of life’s music is not in perfect harmony. What starts out to be a symphony becomes a cacophony, and discordant notes often dominate the score.” Both Job and Asaph asked/wrestled with two different questions regarding their circumstances and how they thought or felt God should respond to them and their needs. Neither of them quit even though what they were facing was difficult, we can learn from their lives how to not quit.

1. Job and Asaph had two different questions they were asking of God in the midst of their trials:
   • 1) (Job) Why do bad things happen to good people? / Lord, why do the wicked/ungodly prosper?
   • 2) (Asaph) Does God really see my predicament; does He really care about me? / Why should I remain pure if I’m going to suffer?
     Here are a few ways each of you can prepare to share either what you are currently facing or what you have been through most recently.
     • What are your questions of God, are they like Job and Asaph or have you been asking God questions that are very specific?
     • Share the trial that you are currently facing or have been through most recently at the level you are comfortable with.
     • Share how you have allowed God into the situation and how He carried you like Job and Asaph through the situation or circumstances.
2. Tony shared 3 truths with us that we can embrace as we step out of the negativity of the situation and change our perspective.
   • 1) Jesus is our high priest; He knows our pain and sorrow. Isaiah 53:3
   • 2) Jesus is our only hope. Isaiah 40:28-31.
   • 3) God is in charge of our eternal destiny. Revelations 21:4 and Jeremiah 32:17, 27.
     What is God asking of you to do as you step out of the negativity and change your perspective of the situation that you are currently facing or have faced?

Check out, Worship and Prayer:
Take time as a group to break bread together, and commit yourself to not quitting, but to trusting God both in the good and bad times. Spend some time in worship as you end group time by playing/listening to “What He’s Done by Passion Music”

Love God:

• Meditate on Psalm 73:25-26 “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
• Resources:
  • Lexicon Bible: https://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/
  • RightNow Media (sign up: https://edgechurch.churchcenter.com/people/forms/500988)
• For personal study check out the following devotions on YouVersion:
  • Trusting God through suffering.
  • Love God Greatly: In the Beginning
  • Don’t quit in the dip!
  • What to do when you want to quit!

Love People:

• For upcoming next steps in your discipleship journey; like Baptism or serving. Sign up online at Church Center/ the website.