The RestorationWeek 9

Aug. 3/4, 2013BOB MERRITT

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INTRODUCTIONWe all face hard times. Sometimes they’re brought on by ourselves and sometimes by others. However, even though times may be hard, your lowest point could be just the beginning of spiritual greatness in your life.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What was a time in your life that you would consider a low point? What were the circumstances? What were some of the feelings that you experienced?

2. In the story of Joseph, we see that he stays faithful, prayerful and obedient. How does that affect the outcome–turning a low point into a spiritual high point?

3. Bob said, “The people who have hurt you will eventually need you.” Has someone who has wronged you ever come back to you when they needed help? How did you feel about that? Was it easy or hard to help them? Why?

4. Read Psalm 37:1-7. In this passage, David describes how we can handle low points in a way that allows God to make them high points.

• What are the promises that God gives that provide hope?

• What are some things we can to can make it a spiritual high point?

• Which one do you think is the hardest to do?

• Which one do you think is the one that you most need to do?

5. Read the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13). As you read each phrase, discuss how this prayer relates to times when we are at a low point that God is working to transform into a spiritual high point.

6. The verses immediately following the Lord’s Prayer (v.14-15) teach some important truths about forgiveness. Why is forgiveness so important in this process of personal transformation from low to high?

THINK ABOUT ITOne of the hardest things that we need to do is to forgive those who have wronged us. Bob said, “Forgiveness is not for weak people; weak people don’t forgive. It takes enormous strength to forgive someone. The most courageous thing you will ever do is to forgive someone who’s hurt you.” Is there someone who you need to forgive? What steps will you take this week to do that? COMMIT TO MEMORY And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.Romans 8:28