The sermon text this past weekend said that Jacob “leaned on the top of his staff.” (Hebrews 11:21) One of the first things that came to mind when reading the text was a song. Click here to find out which song.
As always, Melody Simpson, our Director of Welcoming Ministry at the church, has written excellent discussion questions in our weekly sermon-based Bible study. Click here for this week’s study guide. All of the questions were great; the openers stood out to me.
- Do you find it easy or difficult to lean on others in your times of need? Explain.
That’s an easy answer for me: Difficult! I don’t want to feel like a burden to others. I feel more comfortable as care giver than care receiver. Maybe you can relate.
2. How do you feel when others rely on you during their times of need?
I feel useful – like I’m doing what God put me on earth to do. It feels good to help other people.
Maybe you see the disconnect. If you’re like me, you like helping others but don’t want to be the one being helped. We prefer to be strong, not weak. However, serving is reciprocal. Sometimes you’re the one helping, and sometimes you’re the one needing help. If we don’t allow others to help us in our times of need, we’re depriving them of the satisfaction of knowing that they’re making a difference.
Food for thought: Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” God commands the “give and take” of caring relationships. In this way, we live the life of faith and love that He has designed us to live.
Pastor Chris Kennedy 