INTRO:
If you’re anything like me, you’re already beginning to feel a tad impatient. Perhaps reading all of these little verses and questions is becoming tedious, maybe outside circumstances are putting stressors on you that make you want to be doing other things. Or maybe, you’re like me and really just want to be doing something more “fun” right now (I want to play World of Warcraft so badly… forgive me).
At any rate, anything worthwhile requires patience. Writing devotionals requires patience, reading devotionals requires patience, and laboring in relationship/discipleship with others CERTAINLY requires patience. And that’s what you’ll be doing the week of Rush, laboring and serving others for the sake of discipleship. Let’s talk about patience, yeah?
MONDAY
Scripture: Galatians 6:9
Leading a small group is difficult, and it is easy to become weary. Can you think of a time you’ve grown weary of doing good?
What is the goal here with leading at Rush? What is the reward talked about in this passage?
……………………
TUESDAY
Scripture: Psalm 37:7
Often it can seem like our patience and diligence to do good sets us behind our peers who aren’t doing the same things. Is there a time you have felt like this?
What do you think it means to be still before the Lord and wait patiently for what He has promised?
……………………
WEDNESDAY
Scripture: Proverbs 15:18
Not everyone struggles with anger, but can you think of a time you lost your temper with someone and wounded them?
Leading a small group can be very frustrating and even make us really angry. Why do you think it is important to have an attitude of patience instead of anger in this setting?
……………………
THURSDAY
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 7:8
Sometimes if we experience difficulty early on in a process, we give up quickly. Can you think of a time you have done this, or felt like doing this?
According to this scripture, the root of this is pride’not wanting to take the time to learn and grow. What do you think the text means by Ôpatience is better than pride’?
……………………
FRIDAY
Scripture: Psalm 40:1
Last week we talked about prayer, and this week we are talking about patience. Today, spend some time praying over patience the week of Rush. Pray both for patience for yourself, as well as the rest of the team!