1. One of my favorite songs of encouragement is performed by the Gettys. Go to YouTube and search for https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsA_UPXnluw to listen to the live version of “He Will Hold Me Fast.” Click on the CC icon on the bottom of the screen to show the closed caption lyrics. Meditate on John 10:24-30 and Romans 8:28-34. If you have placed your faith in Christ, does there seem to be any way that you can be “snatched from his hand” or “separated from His love”? What effect would being confident of that reality have when you encountered a challenging circumstance?
2. Read Philippians 4:10-13. How does Paul say he acquired a mindset of contentment?Do you think that you could have been content sitting in a Roman prison 2000 years ago, especially knowing that they wouldn’t have had all the perks that our modern prisons have (gyms, libraries, entertainment, team sports, regular meals)? Contentment must be learned. How do you assume Paul learned to be content from what he says? Ultimately, to what does he credit his ability to be strong in the face of adversity?
3. One of the poems that GriefShare uses to help those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, is called, “The Weaver.” In can help you move past the often, unknowable whys of life and begin to trust the Weaver who sovereignly orchestrates the details of our lives. If you have ever seen how relatively ugly or at best, confusing, the back of a tapestry appears you will gain a better understanding of the poem.
“The Weaver”
My life is but a weaving, between my God and me, I do not choose the colors, He worketh steadily, Oftimes He weaveth sorrow, and I in foolish pride, Forget He sees the upper, and I the underside. Not till the loom is silent, and shuttles cease to fly, Will God unroll the canvas and explain the reason why. The dark threads are as needful in the skillful Weaver’s hand, As the threads of gold and silver in the pattern He has planned.
