I’m so very blessed that you all have stuck with me on this Stress Point journey. This chapter is one of my favorites as I feel it is really practical and very applicable–stuff you can do TODAY. Because, isn’t that what this is all about? Making life changes today rather than read nice things and think, yeah, that was inspiring…but then…nothing.
Welcome to WEEK 9 of our Stress Point Study. Topic: Making A Difference In Your World.
If you are just joining us, I’m super glad that you are! Feel free to click to the Stress Point Online Study Archives and work your way through to Chapter 9. Don’t rush…we will be here when you get to this chapter!
Let’s get started…
The Real (Video Blog)
The Raw (Discussion Questions)
~Which girlfriend case study do you identify with most?
~Do you ever feel that tug to make a difference in the world but throw your hands in surrender because the need is too great and you are just one person?
~What ways do you see that you can make a difference in your own backyard? How can you join in with your church or other organizations to be a cheerful giver of your time. (Like we talked about in the video blog) There are some great examples in Stress Point page 204-206
The Relevant (Bible Study Discussion Questions)
~On page 198 I cited John 5:17, 19-20. This was a pivotal passage for me in my faith walk with Jesus. Read over the passage below a couple of times and let it sink in:
17But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.” 19 Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. 20 For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel.
Now take a moment to read my Subway and Taxi illustration on page 198 of Stress Point. What are your thoughts on this concept?
~On Journal page 208 I refer to John 15:1-5. Take a moment to read that passage.
In this John 15:1-5 he word abide means to remain, stay, dwell, endure. The word fruit in this passage brings to mind the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5): love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self- control. By continuously remaining connected with Jesus (abiding), your fruit (love, joy, peace, patience, etc.) will be poured out on those around you.
How does this apply to serving others and making a difference in your own backyard?
Can’t wait to hear what you all think about these concepts. Leave a comment and let’s have a great conversation!
~Which girlfriend case study do you identify with most?
Again I most idenified with Sarah’s I almost always jump into things with out praying… I need to be more diligent about that.. I am not a planner like the examples you gave Sarah but ALOT of times i dont pray before saying yest to s0mething or whatever i just jump right in.
~Do you ever feel that tug to make a difference in the world but throw your hands in surrender because the need is too great and you are just one person? I feel it right now here in Alaska, I feel like putting my hands up and saying no more cause I am working in the kitchen and they are so understaffed that its so frusterating and stressfull. But today went much better and I praise the Lord for that! But I wantto tell them I am only one person and you are stretching me too much! The group leaders I am with, told me that if i need to back off and take a afternoon off or if its too much to tell them that.. But guess waht I am too chicken to tell them that… I am here to serve the Lord… But when is too much too much?
Meg, I’m so glad that you are having a great trip in Alaska. Your heart is so big and compassionate that I can see why you might get stressed out or frustrated. Regarding your question about when too much is too much…I would say pray about that. If your body is fatigued and your heart is weary then take a little break. Nothing wrong with that. Jesus took breaks and quiet time with the Lord!
I love that video so much Sarah I needed to hear that!:) Thanks!:)
I identify with Blakely’s girlfriend case study , because I relate to the feeling of wanting to do more and make a difference. I’ve taught Sunday school and BIble class for the children in my church for several years, but sometimes I take that role for granted. I want to do more than impact children for just a couple of hours, once a week! I know that this the place God has me serving and that He has called me to do this, but it’s easy to feel like what I’m doing isn’t enough.
Rachel! Girlfriend…that is an amazing thing you do at your church with the kids. You will never know the great impact that you have on them long term, but wow! So glad that God is using you to touch the lives of children!
~What ways do you see that you can make a difference in your own backyard? How can you join in with your church or other organizations to be a cheerful giver of your time. (Like we talked about in the video blog) There are some great examples in Stress Point page 204-206
This is a hard one for me since I am so “shy” i dont like to get involved with things too quickly.. But I LOVE to help at my church just last year I helped paint the Gym and Prayer room and also a couple of other rooms… But I know I need to get out there and be a light.. I do help my mom out alot too and she isnt saved. I have a hard time giving of my time if it isnt for my church something Chrisitan. Like i said I help my mom alot but i have complained about helping her too.
Meg…I just KNOW that you are showing your mom the love and light of Jesus by serving her and helping her out. This is so great. It is tough with family. Keep it up, ok!?
I can’t believe we’re already in the ninth week of our study! I’ve enjoyed every minute!
~On Journal page 208 I refer to John 15:1-5. Take a moment to read that passage. The word abide means to remain, stay, dwell, endure. The word fruit in this passage brings to mind the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5): love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self- control. By continuously remaining connected with Jesus (abiding), your fruit (love, joy, peace, patience, etc.) will be poured out on those around you. How does this apply to serving others and making a difference in your own backyard?
By staying connected with Jesus (e.g., praying; reading, studying, and living out His Word), He shows me how to be a loving, patient, and kind person. I can make a difference in anyone’s life and serve people anywhere, including right next door. My behavior and actions will therefore show others His love and they too may be inspired to connect with Him.
I love the Jillian Michaels quote – “I want you to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.” – and the concept of discomfort leading to refinement. (209-10) This is an area I need to work on. Sometimes, I get too caught up being in my comfort zone.
Sarah, I hope you’re working on another book! I’ve loved this study and will be a little sad when it ends.
Hey Bree! Love what you wrote for your answers! Yes, girl! I encourage you to continue to take steps outside your comfort zone so God can stretch you and teach you new things about Himself and about you, too!
You are so sweet to ask about future projects. I am, in fact, cooking things up. It will be awhile for a new book. BUT!! I’ve got some fun Stress Point things coming this fall on the blog so stay tuned!
Hugs!
Thanks, Sarah! I’m working on changing and can’t wait to see the refinement process in action.
Awesome news about your future projects! I’m definitely looking forward to participating in whatever fun things you have planned in the upcoming months! :D
I can relate to Sarah by being so pumped about doing something and then just fizzing out. I can also kinda relate to Blakely because it seems like regardless of what I do for God, I don’t feel like I’m ever doing or giving enough – like there’s always something more I could/should be doing and giving. To me, it’s never enough. Sometimes even those pesky doubtful thoughts of, “why are you the one doing this? You know there’s someone else who could do it better” creep in.
I feel as though I’m making a difference when I volunteer on political campaigns and even almost moved to a different city because I thought I would be able to volunteer more and have more opportunities, but me moving didn’t work out so I truly believe that God has a purpose for me right where I am…and that purpose might just be at my local crisis pregnancy center which I start volunteering at next week. This place is super close to my heart for several reasons and how I came across this place is an awesome story in itself! (And it just so happens that TWO new campaign headquarters are opening up near me too!)
I love the subway/taxi illustration. Instead of me moving and “taking the taxi” to the city where I had my own plans, I feel as though God wants me to “take the subway” down to the crisis pregnancy center and abide/join Him in something amazing that’s already going on!
Oooh Jessica! Crisis Pregnancy centers are a GREAT way to serve the Lord! Love it! Stay on that Subway girlfriend!
Now take a moment to read my Subway and Taxi illustration on page 198 of Stress Point. What are your thoughts on this concept?
I like this concept I kinda pciture it as when taking the subway you are actually going somewhrere away from your hometown and when taking the taxi you are staying right in your town doing something making a difference this is where i need to be more aware of and help out more.. Lord put that passion in my heart…
I like your point of view Meg! Interesting way to look at it. I also want to encourage you to look at the Subway as going where God is already moving rather than taking the Taxi (your own grand plans) and then asking God to join in. It is so much more effective to take the Subway and join in on God’s awesome plans. This takes discipline and prayer on our part as we seek His will and direction. Thanks for the great thoughts!