The Paradox Within the Pandemic

  • Matthew 26:37-39, 42, 44-46, (NKJV) 37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. 38 Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.” 39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” 42 Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done 44 So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. 45 Then He came to His disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.”
  • Psalm 27:13-14 (NKJV) I would have lost heart (fainted), unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait (wait in faith) on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!
  • Luke 21:19 19 By your [patient] endurance [empowered by the Holy Spirit] possess your souls (you will gain your souls).

Discussion Questions:

  1. How have you given yourself and others permission to feel?
  2. What does ”waiting for God” look like in today’s spiritual-social climate?
  3. Why is it hard to possess what you don’t acknowledge and own?
  4. Describe the impact of faith and faith’s corresponding actions in times like these.