Wave Rider (guest speaker: Zane Witcher)

*This week's guide will be short due to a limited preview of our guest speaker's lesson. You're encouraged to include your own questions, readings, etc. to bolster the discussion.

 

#1 Watch or Listen To "Wave Rider"

Consider this Sunday morning’s lesson. You can listen here: http://bit.ly/1gCDfNL

Or watch here [video will be posted by Monday each week]: www.vimeo.com/rrcoc

What stuck out to you as interesting?

Did you encounter any challenging or re-orienting truth?

 

#2 What Are You Afraid of?

Let's start today by sharing our least reasonable fears. Read the list of common fears below one at a time and have group members raise their hands if they're afraid of that thing or circumstance.

  • The dark
  • Spiders
  • Heights
  • Clowns
  • Open spaces
  • Crowds
  • Dogs
  • Public Speaking
  • Balloons

 

#3 Unpack the Panic

In the story from the life of Jesus we discussed on Sunday, Jesus sleeps during a wild storm. While the disciples panic, Jesus doesn't even seem phased. Why is that?

  • How is Jesus different from the disciples in that moment?
  • What are the disciples of afraid of? What isn't Jesus afraid of?

Do you have moments in your life when you panic? Share an example of a situation that might induce a freak out. Brainstorm together situations that cause panic for the average person.

Then, think through those fears/anxieties and identify the bottom-line reason we react like we tend to do in these situations. Does it make sense to react in those ways given your place as a child of God?

Why or why not?

 

#4 So. Many. Stories.

As a group, make a list of stories in the Bible where one of God's people acts in courage despite the terrifying circumstances. You might choose to split the group up into small teams of two or three and make it a contest (with a candy bar prize).

What does the sheer volume of stories like this teach us about fear's place in the God-follower's life?

 

#5 Magic.

Tonight, be sure to pray with your group, asking God to release you from fear and anxiety. 18% of the U.S. population suffers from a professionally diagnosed anxiety disorder. It's highly likely someone in your group suffers in this way. If so, make your group a safe place to talk. Remind members that anxiety disorders aren't simply a lack of faith. Rather, they often stem from brain chemistry and traumatic life events. Still, people who face anxiety disorders are helped by a robust and reliant trust in God.

If you have a member suffering with anxiety disorder, gather round, place your hands on them, and pray for their health and peace.

If you don't, just pray for your group--that fear and anxiety wouldn't overwhelm you and that you'd fully trust your powerful God.

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