Below are some additional interactions on the article: I’m Responsible For What?. Read it first.
Map:
Josiah was king of Judah. Check out where that is in the ancient world.
411:
So finding out what God has to say and acting with that wisdom in our hearts is really key to navigating through these overwhelming times. It’s funny how wisdom has always been valued. It’s not cultural or even generational. Wisdom is ingrained into humanity. So much so that we even associate the teeth that grow in around age 20 to be somehow injected with additional wisdom! That’s where we get the term “wisdom teeth.” So why do we remove them? Lol.
So you know what is the oldest recorded case of wisdom teeth? Read about it here and be wiser!
Challenge:
When you get into a situation this week that seems overwhelming, ask God for wisdom in handling it. Maybe there’s a situation you have been in before and you know it’s about to happen again. If that’s the case, take some time the night before to pray and seek God’s guidance for how to deal with it all. Then, the each day this week, write down each time when you are feeling overwhelmed, and when God brings you new wisdom and peace. At the end of each day, think back over the day and spend some time thanking and praising God for his loving presence in your life. And don’t let it stop with this one week! Learning to hear God’s guidance and act on it can take lots of practice but it is WORTH it!
Quizical:
For some insight into how stress affects you, take a look at this quiz.
After you have taken the quiz, come up with at least one way for each of the 5 sections where you can improve your lifestyle habits or relieve a pressure, then talk with your family about this. If you need, talk to a youth leader or chaplain first to help you figure out how to talk to your family about your needs and overwhelming responsibilities. Remember, ask God for wisdom and he will give it to you.
Audio:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Scripture:
Proverbs 1:2–10, 2:1–8—The book of Proverbs is full of good advice on how to make decisions when you feel you are in over your head!
1 Timothy 4:12—Even though you are young, you can still be an example to others by what you say, what you do, and your attitude.
1 John 2:12–14—God doesn’t just have instructions for adults; in fact he says the you, as a young person, have defeated the Evil One and that you are strong! So have confidence and be encouraged!
James 1:5—You don’t have to know how to handle every situation; in fact, God doesn’t EXPECT you to know how to handle everything! He promises to give you wisdom if you will just ask for it!
Small Group Guide:
Video:
Watch this music video called Courage by Justin Hines. As you watch it, think of situations you are responsible for that you need courage to face . Remember to ask God for the wisdom and the courage to face them.
Life Questions:
- Think of a circumstance you faced recently that you felt was too overwhelming to handle. Draw a picture (as simple or as detailed as you want) of how the situation played out. Now write the words “God will generously give me wisdom if I ask him” in bold letters across the picture you just drew.
- Memorize James 1:5 this week. Put it by your bed, fridge, locker, or somewhere you will see it multiple times a day.
- Talk to a trusted adult about a situation you feel is too much for you to handle. Ask them for advice and to pray with you for God’s wisdom.
Music:
It takes a lot of courage to handle an overwhelming situation. Listen to these songs and be encouraged. Maybe they remind you of some other uplifting songs. Why not make your own mix of our songs and yours to play whenever life is overwhelming you? We’d love to hear about your ideas at facebook.com/Rezilient.Life or tweet us @Rezlife.
LOL:
Learning to tie your shoe can be a little overwhelming at first, but this little girl is schooling the rest of us (also note the little brother scooting on the floor in the background).
