Impact of God
What impact does God have in our lives and on the world around us? How can we work together with God for a greater impact?
What does the Bible say about God's impact? -
- Meeting Challenges - Psalms 18:28-36
- Answered Prayer - John 14:12-14
- Peace and Joy - Psalms 46:1-7
- Fruit of Spirit - Galatians 5:16-23
Meeting Challenges
Psalms 18:28-36
You light a lamp for me. The LORD, my God, lights up my darkness. In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall.
God’s way is perfect. All the LORD’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. For who is God except the LORD? Who but our God is a solid rock? God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect. He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights. He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow. You have given me your shield of victory. Your right hand supports me; your help has made me great. You have made a wide path for my feet to keep them from slipping.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- In what ways does God enable us to meet challenges?
- In what ways does God shield people from dangers?
- What would it mean for you to be sure footed in your challenges?
Thoughts to consider
A challenging situation is an opportunity to go to God for his help and protection. It is an opportunity to learn to go with God rather than in independence. Together we find a good way forward that honours the Lord’s values.
Answered Prayer
John 14:12-14
“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!"
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What does Jesus mean when he says that when we ask in his name he will do what we ask?
- In the Lord’s prayer, Jesus told us to pray so that his kingdom would come. How would our prayers contribute to his kingdom?
- In the Lord’s prayer, Jesus told us to ask for our daily bread. Why would Jesus be so willing for our needs to be fulfilled?
Thoughts to consider
Through prayer Jesus impacts our lives by changing us to become like him in his attitudes. Through prayer Jesus impacts the world around us to bring his kingdom to bear around us.
Peace and Joy
Psalms 46:1-7
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.
Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!
Interlude
A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it. The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble! God’s voice thunders, and the earth melts! The LORD of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What helps us to choose to let go of our fear and find peace when everything seems to be going wrong?
- The river that the writer speaks of is the Spirit of God speaking and reassuring our souls. How could you access that river in troubled times?
Thoughts to consider
God has plans that are very different from our hopes. It is through trusting him for what he is doing and knowing that he is able to keep us safe whatever the storms outside that we have peace with him.
Fruit of Spirit
Galatians 5:16-23
So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.
… The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What does the Holy Spirit work in our lives?
- What choices do I need to make in order for the Spirit to work this way?
- How could I work with God so that the Spirit has more influence?
Thoughts to consider
The Holy Spirit, who is God at work in us, has greater influence in our lives as we spend time with him in prayer and the Bible reflecting with God on life. We can consider together upcoming events and learn with thanksgiving or confession through what has gone on over the last days.
Overview question for reflection or discussion
- How does God impact our outer circumstances?
- How does God impact our inner wellbeing?
- How can I go with God so that he has more impact on life?
Thoughts to consider
Many desire mere success and happiness. The Lord works for love enabling us to live in the face of challenges without the fear that supresses love. Through prayer, he provides the resources and support that give us freedom to show his love.
