Below are some additional interactions on the article: Life In a Minefield. Read it first.
411:
It might be that one of the minefields you are living with day in and day out is abuse or trouble at home or somewhere else. If this is the case, you need to seek help from people trained and equipped to guide you and yours through this time. Do not try to go it alone. Speak the truth and ask for help. Here are some resources to get your started. Please be sure to send us a message on Facebook or Twitter so those of us here at RezLife can be praying!
Child Abuse and Domestic Abuse (with phone #s)
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration
A Page of Resources Through HHS.gov
Another Page of Resources Through Military.com
Quizical:
It can be really challenging to combat the instability of this world when you are struggling with an internal battle for balance. Make sure you are in a good place; and if you’re not, talk to a counselor, parent, or leader about some ways you can begin addressing your internal struggle. This quiz is a great “check-in” when you’re not sure how you’re doing.
Stories:
Read this short story about Jesus and his first followers. It reads like fantasy fiction! But it’s true! We are all his followers and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Remember that as you navigate the daily landmines around you.
Matthew 17:14–20
When they returned to the crowd, a man came to Jesus, knelt before him, and said, “Sir, have mercy on my son! He is an epileptic and has such terrible attacks that he often falls in the fire or into water. I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him.”
Jesus answered, “How unbelieving and wrong you people are! How long must I stay with you? How long do I have to put up with you? Bring the boy here to me!” Jesus gave a command to the demon, and it went out of the boy, and at that very moment he was healed.
Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked him, “Why couldn’t we drive the demon out?”
“It was because you do not have enough faith,” answered Jesus. “I assure you that if you have faith as big as a mustard seed, you can say to this hill, ‘Go from here to there!’ and it will go. You could do anything!”
Audio:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Scripture:
Philippians 1:3–11—This is a prayer from Paul for any believer who reads it (meaning you!) It also has some great advice on how to live to bring about he Kingdom of God and combat the instability of daily life.
Galatians 5:1–13—Jesus offers you freedom from the pain and instability in this world—a freedom that allows us to serve one another in love—never give that up!
John 16:31–33—The Lord is always with you! When life is explosive, keep this verse in mind.
Psalm 20:6–9—This is literally a battle cry to have faith and courage in the LORD! He will make you victorious!
1 Corinthians 16:13–14—Another good read!
Life Questions:
- Rewrite Isaiah 33 in a journal or notebook. Make the words or phrases that are important to you bigger; give them shapes and colors. Use drawing, writing, etc to express the parts of the Scripture that describe your life and heart right now and spend some time articulating those feelings to God and listening to his guidance.
- Look at the Supporting Scripture section and choose one to memorize this week. Put it by your bed, fridge, locker, or somewhere you will see it multiple times a day. Tell a family member or close friend why you chose that verse and what you need to understand about Jesus Christ’s presence in your life.
- Make a list of the things that create a minefield in your life. Then take each one of them and ask God to give you his perspective on it and how to live in faith, trusting him to lead you through it. Then thank him for his mercy and love for you!
