Don't Give Up
Life 101 - Lesson 1
June 12-16, 2006

Be brave. Be strong. Don't give up. Expect God to get here soon.

Psalm 31:24 (Msg)

Sometimes God gives us dreams based on His promises. These promises may be of how He made and shaped you or a promise of an unselfish idea He put in your mind. (Some dreams come from selfish pride - we're not talking about those.) The dreams God gives us do not always happen when or how we want. At times we may find ourselves feeling like we just want to give up! People who don't give up when they feel like it are the ones who make the greatest difference; so "Don't give up!" God does great things with the little we do. Don't give up on God, don't give up on prayer, and don't give up on God's promises. This study will focus on what to do when you feel like giving up. One of the greatest lessons in life is, "Don't Give Up!"

What to do when you feel like giving up:

MONDAY

1. TELL GOD HOW YOU FEEL.
[Your Objective: Discuss the benefits of turning to God when you are desperate.]

In Psalm 143:4, how does David describe himself to God?

  • Why do people often think that God is an unreliable source of help in desperate times?
  • What causes some people to only turn to God as a last resort?
  • How might our state of mind be affected if we turned to God before we are desperate? Why?

According to Psalm 34:18 & Lamentations 2:19b how can we approach God and what can we expect of Him?

  • What often keeps people from pouring out their hearts in prayer when they are in need?
  • Why is it often easier to run to a friend instead of to God? What is the benefits of turning to God?

Worship - Two means of worship are talking to God through prayer and sincerely telling Him how you feel. Plan to spend some time this week talking with God in prayer. If things are going well for you, take this time to thank and praise Him. If you are experiencing difficulties pour out your heart to Him with confidence knowing He cares.

TUESDAY

2. SEE GOD FOR WHO HE REALLY IS.
[Your Objective: Understand how seeing God for who He really is can affect your willingness to trust Him for help.]

In Psalm 143:5, 8a how did David choose to consider God? What request did he make of God?

  • How can remembering the promises that God has fulfilled in our past help us in the present circumstances?
  • What can we expect from God when we turn to Him for help?

When Daniel approached God in prayer, how did he focus on Him in Daniel 9:4?

  • How can we follow Daniel's example to understand who God really is? What can this look in our daily lives?
  • How can we begin to change the bad habit of neglecting to consider the greatness of God?

Worship - When we voice our acknowledgement of God's greatness and power, we reveal our heart of worship for Him. As a group, take a few minutes to praise God. Prayerfully take turns voicing a praise or recognition of who God is or for what He has done.

WEDNESDAY

3. ASK GOD FOR THE NEXT STEP.
[Your Objective: Believe that God will give you direction if you truly seek Him.]

In Psalm 143:8b what does David ask God to do for him?

  • What are some of the reasons we want God to give us an entire plan in response to our requests? Why are we sometimes uncomfortable with receiving direction one step at a time?
  • Reflect on past prayer requests. Discuss the wisdom of God in not giving us an entire plan when answering prayer.

What assurance does Jesus give to those who seek God for what they need according to Matthew 7:7?

  • Matthew 7:7 doesn't mean to ask just once. The idea is to keep on asking, seeking and knocking. Discuss the consequences of giving up when we don't receive an immediate answer to your prayer.
  • How might God answer our prayers if our requests, timing, or character are wrong?
  • Some people only pray for material goods, in emergencies, or consider it an unpleasant duty. What would it take for prayer to become a conversation stemming from our relationship with God?

Worship - Asking God for guidance and direction shows we recognize our inability to affect our circumstances and that we trust God with the outcome. Our faith demonstrated in prayer is a beautiful act of worship. Write out a prayer asking God for His next step for you. Be prepared at the next meeting to share what God reveals to you.

THURSDAY

4. TRUST GOD FOR STRENGTH AND ACT.
[Your Objective: Embrace the importance of trusting God's promises for the strength to act as He directs us.]

Read aloud Psalm 143:10. What declaration, trust, and requests did David express to God in this verse?

  • This verse implies that God will give us the strength to face difficult problems. What must we do to draw upon this supernatural source of strength?
  • What kinds of complications do we suffer when we trust only in our own strength? How can neglecting to depend on God for help and strength keep us from taking corrective action?

What assurance for times of trouble do David and Paul express in Psalm 28:7a; 2 Corinthians 1:9 and 4:8?

  • What does it mean when we say that "the Lord is my strength and my shield"? How are these two characteristics of God different and how can we apply them to our difficult situations?
  • How powerful is the help that God offers? What difference can knowing the extent of God's power make when we feel "hard pressed on every side"?
  • What can we do to change the way we respond to feelings of despair? How can we help others when we are called on during difficult times?

According to Galatians 6:9, what is the promise Paul speaks of for those who don't give up?

  • How do most people act towards the problems of others when they are consumed by their own situation?
  • How can we begin to see beyond our own situation and do good while we are waiting for the answer to our prayer?

Worship - As a group share some promises God makes to us in Scripture. Talk about how these promises can make a difference in your circumstances or those of someone else in the group. (If you need with promises see: Psalm 23; 32:8, 34:10; Proverbs 3:3-6, 6:22-23, 8:17; Isaiah 43:2; John 3:16; Philippians 4:6-7; James 1:5.)

Take a moment to review any assignments/challenges made during the personal application and commitment section of your previous meeting. Seeing God at work in the lives of those who commit to Him is essential for growth.

FRIDAY

PERSONAL APPLICATION AND COMMITMENT:
[Your Objective: Recognize your need and commit to regularly seeking God for your needs in good and bad times.]

Don't give up on prayer. God is doing so much more through your prayers than you can see. Jesus taught us to persist in prayer not only because of what it does for our growth, but because of what it does for our world. Don't give up on God's promises. You matter to God and He is faithful. When was the last time you took time to spend more than a few moments talking to God? What keeps you from enjoying time with Him as much as you enjoy time with a spouse or trusted friend? Take time this week to read and meditate on Psalm 143. Read it slowly and let God speak to you. Tell God how you feel. Remember who He really is. Ask Him what your next step should be. Trust God for strength, then make a plan and act on it. Be prepared to share your progress at the next meeting.