NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) — This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, LifeWay publishes Sunday School curriculum and additional resources for all age groups.
This week’s Bible study is adapted from the YOU!
Bible Passage: Psalm 34:15-22
Discussion Question:
If they don’t run to God, where do believers tend to seek refuge?
Food for Thought:
While most Christians turn to God in times of need and stress, some don’t. Some may turn to friends or family for comfort and guidance. Still others turn to more dangerous helps. This is the story of one woman whose choices weren’t great, but ultimately, she found comfort in Christ alone.
After enduring her parents’ divorce, her father’s attempt to kill her and her younger sister, verbal abuse from a stepfather, a rape that ended in an abortion and other tragedies in her young life, Isabelle* gave her life to Christ. She married and began teaching Sunday School. Finally, she believed she was on a road that led her to spiritual, emotional and physical health and happiness. Unfortunately, her road was rocky and led her down a path of self-destruction.
When Isabelle discovered that her husband who didn’t attend church with her had been having an affair with one of her close friends, she was devastated. Instead of running to God where she’d placed her love and faith, she became depressed and turned to drugs to numb the pain. She stopped teaching Sunday School and going to church because she believed she found all she needed in meth. She began using it recreationally on the weekends but ramped up her addiction to hourly doses of the drug.
At her lowest point, she filled a syringe with meth in an attempt to end her life, but just as He had many times throughout her childhood, God spared her life. She then realized that God’s plans for her life were for prosperity, so she rededicated her life to Him. She now talks with others on a similar path and tries to lead them to God and away from the pull of drugs and alcohol. In her words, “God waits for them, just like He waited for me. He gave us free will, and I used mine in the wrong way. He has turned my mistakes into good, just as the Bible promises. I now hold on to these promises like I once held on to meth.”
*Name has been changed at her request.
The YOU! Curriculum, which is intentionally focused on urban and multicultural believers, provides biblically-based, culturally relevant lessons to help people connect, grow, serve and ultimately be engaged in impacting the world for God. This flexible quarterly resource offers weekly Bible study for leaders and learners, devotionals and teaching plans as well as articles on hot topics and missions. For more information, visit LifeWay.com/YOU.
Other ongoing Bible study options for all ages offered by LifeWay can be found at www.LifeWay.com/SundaySchool.
–30–
Get Baptist Press headlines and breaking news on Twitter (@BaptistPress), Facebook (Facebook.com/BaptistPress) and in your email (baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp).
