Sunday 13 February
God of the Impossible
Steve Graham
Steve uses Genesis 18:14 "Is anything to hard for the Lord?" and encourages us to open our hearts and minds and dream again. The concept that God does the impossible is foundational to faith and the church.
Life Group questions
God of the Impossible
God of the Impossible
Read Genesis 18:1-15
The author of this story is establishing a contrast between how Abraham “receives” God, and how Sarah “rejects” God.
How can you see the author drawing this contrast across these 15 verses?
Sarah’s initial reaction to God’s promise is to laugh, and offer a cynical comment.
How do you think Sarah was feeling at that point?
In what ways do you think your emotional life is impacting your ability to trust God?
The reading ends in an awkward moment, where Sarah is told, “Yes, you did laugh.” Clearly, having one’s lack of faith exposed is an embarrassing experience!
Why do you think God did this?
What is the value for us, when we are honest about where our own faith is at?
Read Genesis 17:15-18
Consider Abraham’s reaction here;
First, he laughs at something he considers to be ridiculous:
“Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old?”
Then, he suggests something more reasonable for God to do, by reminding God that he already has a son:
“If only Ishmael might live under your blessing!”
Can you understand or empathise with Abraham’s reactions here?
Steve noted that this conversation happened 50 years after God first promised Abraham and Sarai a son.
How might time have affected Abraham’s faith?
How does this story challenge or inspire our trust in God?
“COVID Brain”
Steve cited a study that examined the impacts of the Christchurch earthquake and recovery on people’s thought patterns. The evidence suggests that responding to such a major crisis results in reduced creativity and capacity to imagine. Steve wondered if the COVID-19 pandemic was impacting people in the same way.
Do you think this is a plausible idea?
How do you think the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted your ability to be creative and imaginative?
Steve suggested that “COVID Brain” might also be impacting our ability to believe in God’s power.
What do you think of this suggestion?
Can you think of any other ways where a reduced capacity to be creative and imaginative might impact our faith?