
The What Ifs
SHADRACH, MESHACH AND ABED-NEGO Daniel 3:17 “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king.18 But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” Hebrew 11:35 …not accepting their release, that they might obtain a better resurrection. JAMES James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. PAUL Roman 8:28 All things work together for good to those who love God. JESUS Matthew 6:34 “Do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Questions:
- Can you give an example (or examples) of the difference it has made (or will make) to change your “what ifs” to “even ifs”?
- Please read James 1:2 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
- ”Can you tell about a time that you did what James says to do in James 1:2?
- Please read James 1:3-4 “knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing..”
- Can you tell about a time that you experienced what James refers to in James 1:3-4?
- Please read James 1:12“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."
- What difference has it made (or will it make) in your life to remember what James says in James 1:12?
- How much have you heard people quote (or maybe quoted yourself) these words, “All things work together for good”? What do you think most people mean when they quote these words
- Please read Paul’s words in Romans 8:28 “All things work together for good to those who love God”.
- In what ways has (or can) Roman 8:28 help you?
- Please read the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:34 “Do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
- Is there a “tomorrow” that you’ve been worrying about? How has (or can) the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:34 help you? Please explain.