Note to leader: Prior to the class, provide for each person the article “Positively Stressed” from TODAY’S CHRISTIAN WOMAN magazine (included at the end of this study).
We live in a stress-filled society. Multitasking is a way of life. We are often trying to balance our job with raising kids, attending extracurricular activities, carpooling, community service, volunteering, and working in the church. When we add to our busy schedules health issues, caring for others, and the trials of life, we can feel overwhelmed.
Stress is inevitable. It is often caused by circumstances that we cannot avoid or control. Worry, however, is a spiritual and emotional response to stress that drains energy and can create a host of problems. When we cast our cares on Jesus, he gives us the strength to endure and persevere through difficult times. In this way God is glorified, and we can accomplish God’s will in our lives, despite the circumstances. By God’s grace, we can channel stress to work for us instead of against us.
Discussion starters:[Q] What causes stress in your life? How do you handle it? How does stress affect you spiritually, emotionally, and physically? Why does stress affect you this way?
[Q<SPANCLASS=Q-STYLE>] How is stress different from worry? Do you think it is possible to have stress without worry? Why or why not?
[Q] Do you think it is possible for stress to be beneficial? Explain your answer. How can stress be harmful? How do we differentiate between harmful and beneficial stress? What behaviors do we exhibit when stress is harmful? When it is beneficial?
PART 2
Read Joshua 1:1–18. Joshua was faced with a monumental task. He had stepped into the role previously held by Moses for 40 years. He was expected to lead the entire Israelite nation into the Promised Land. Joshua was dealing with a group of people who had a history of grumbling, disobedience, and rebellion. The Israelites had refused to enter this land under Moses’ leadership and had consequently wandered in the desert for 40 years. Given this potentially overwhelming task, Joshua was told to be strong and courageous. He reminded Joshua to meditate on God’s law day and night, so Joshua would be diligent to obey it. God promised to be with Joshua wherever he went, and he promised to never leave nor forsake him.
God also commands us to be strong and courageous. He does not want us to be trembling, terrified people, nor does he want us to be discouraged by circumstances. He reminds us that he is always with us, and he gives us his Word to guide and comfort us along the way. He promises to never leave orforsake us. Often we stand at the river of promise God offers. We are afraid to step out and take the risk to follow him into the Promised Land; instead, we choose to wander in the desert of our doubts and disbelief. God calls us to be conquerors. When we meditate on his Word, rely on his strength, and have the will to obey, God will give us the courage to conquer whatever he calls us to do.
[Q] What is the difference between meditating on God’s Word and simply reading it? How does meditation help us apply God’s Word to our lives?
[Q] Why was it important for Joshua to be reminded to be obedient and to have courage? How might Joshua have been feeling? What contributed to that?
[Q] How did Joshua call the Israelites to demonstrate courage and obedience? What was their response? Why was it important for Joshua to call the people to obedience and courage, as God had called him? How might their unity of purpose have helped them conquer the Promised Land?
[Q] Joshua harnessed his stress and began the task by breaking it down into manageable steps. How does breaking down a task and focusing on one step at a time help us reduce stress? How do we do this without losing the big picture?
[Q] Joshua also delegated responsibility to those under him. How do you think this might have helped him? How might it have helped the Israelites? How do we decide what and when to delegate?
[Q] God promises believers that he is with us wherever we go and that he will never leave or forsake us. What does that mean to you? How does this promise help you to have courage in times of stress?
[Q] Have you ever had a time when fear kept you from conquering something God called you to do? Be specific. What blessings may you have missed? What could you have done differently?
Teaching point two: Acceptance of God’s sovereign will, no matter what the circumstances, gives us peace and courage to face whatever comes.Read Esther 4:6–17 and Romans 8:28. Esther was under tremendous stress. The lives of her people, the Israelites, were in her hands. In order to help them, she had to risk her own life. Mordecai, Esther’s cousin, kept her accountable so she would not back away from her calling. Mordecai told Esther God would save his people one way or another, but if Esther did not obey God’s will by carrying out her part of his plan, she and her family would perish. Esther’s life was at risk no matter which choice she made. She found courage and strength through prayer. In her phrase “If I perish, I perish,” we witness her trust in God’s sovereignty.
God wants us to trust him completely. Getting to this point requires much prayer. Esther recognized this. She solicited the prayers of those around her who shared her faith. God wants us to be willing to risk everything, including our lives, for his kingdom. When we get to the point of complete surrender to God’s will, peace floods in, and we have the courage to face whatever comes.
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