‘I AM’ Study: not like I planned (2)

 

reading is here

Discussion Questions:

1. I am going to present to you a little acrostic to begin our discussion today. What is your latest NLIP? (Not Like I Planned?) that usually has to do with my career plans…

2. How did you react to your NLIP? Are you still upset about it? Happy about it? Baffled by it? Explain. just keep moving and seek God’s direction & wise counsel.  not upset — anxious sometimes, often impatient, but learning to handle things better.

3. Have you ever attempted to step into an area of ministry and found your desire rejected? Did this cause you to question God and yourself? Perhaps distrust what you perceived to be your calling?  not really, though i wasn’t too thrilled with stepping down from youth ministry when i did… no, didn’t question either, though i didn’t really understand at the time.

4. Do you harbor any bitterness towards any individual or situation which you believe waylaid your best laid plans? no, though i admit to feeling hurt at the time.

5. Have you had a life experience or trial that left you with a shaken faith because it ended in an NLIP? Please share if you feel free.  no.  the weirdest thing about my first niece’s passing — one would think that would totally rock my foundations — i just knew that i knew God was with me and would see me through.  i was definitely sad that she was no longer with us, but if anything, it made my faith stronger.  definitely gave me a greater appreciation for being alive and it totally got rid of any suicidal tendencies i’d had…

5. Based on Moses’ response of faith to his own rejection, how will you re-evaluate your own experiences or look at future ones differently if a NLIP presents itself? actually already do handle things better — it’s nice to know that God’s in control in the sense that things won’t get too whacked out if i stick with Him.  it’s really not worth stressing out over and deciding to make the most out of everything & finding the silver lining in even the crappy situations does wonders for one’s outlook and stress levels.