Review/Remember:

•  We all struggle in many ways — The issue of mental health –we have it or know someone who does
• The 5 R’s—Relationship- Rest—Remembering – Resilience –Restoration
• Every situation is nuanced so we need all 5
• De-stigmatizing – Pro-active and reactive
• Creating a safe culture as a church –
• We recognize that there are two extremes at play here on this issue – Suck it up attitude versus a get out of jail card view if you are struggling

Last week we looked into Remember –Video

• God is our Father –He loves us and we are valuable to Him – But we are broken and need correction
• There is a race marked out for us that takes time –
• Our God is a good Father – who understands us –a knows the lack of boundaries do not help us

4th R– Struggle produces resilience and we will need it – the ability to Persevere Vs 1

• We disapprove of what creates it – hardship

Key text: Hebrews 12:1–13 (NIV) Proverbs 22:15 (NLT

Asking and answering some questions

1st Resilience –What is it?

Definition: The capability to withstand and recuperate from difficulties as you pursue that which is righteous

• The race marked out for you
• Synonyms – grit –resolve –toughness –
• In biblical terms –perseverance – It’s an attitude –a way of seeing things that accomplishes this
• Jesus –His goal and attitude helped Him survive and become victorious

2 Corinthians 4:7–11 (NIV) Philippians 4:12–13 (NIV) Proverbs 24:16 (NIV)

Question 2: Why do I need resilience?

• The curse –Nature –Nurture—culture in confusion –insanity –spiritual war
• We all stumble in many ways

2 Timothy 2:3 (NIV) Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)

Question 3: How is resilience developed? —a safe space –over time

• The Holy Spirits guidance –future
• Without resistance, you do not develop resilience or perseverance
• Through good nurturing (parenting) and through the efforts of God to discipline/train
• Good discipleship is to teach people as well as support people through the development of resilience The world is inclined towards death –decay – 2nd law of thermodynamics – James 1:2–4 (NIV) Romans 5:1–5 (NIV)

Developing a safe place for yourself and others – The other R’s play into having a safe place

1. A place of repentance

• Decide to run the race marked out for you – take the steps towards spiritual resistance rather than the path of least resistance
• The world is inclined towards downstream –giving into the flesh
• The “place” that helps you resist the flesh and encourages the next right step

Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV) John 6:63 (NIV) John 10:10 (NIV) 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV) Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)

A safe place is where you get good (safe) counsel. –IN Godly relationship

• The good way – safe spiritually not necessarily in worldly terms

Proverbs 27:6 (NIV) 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 (NIV)

A safe space is one where you are reminded of God’s grace

• You can share your struggles and discouragement –fears and doubts –honest is encouraged

Ephesians 4:25 (NIV) James 5:16 (NIV)

2. A place where I can receive the right kind of support – Galatians 6:2 (NIV) 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

Become a source of a safe place/space maker in the 5 spheres

• A person who creates a safe place for others – parents put on your mask so you can help your children put on theirs
• Helping them become resilient

The Lords people –His church – a safe place where we find

1. Relationship with God and others
2. Rest
3. We Remember – remind one another
4. We encourage and support Resilience

5th We find Restoration –next week

For Small Group Discussion:

Opening Question:

• If you could have an infinite supply of any one thing, what would it be?

Main Point: The main idea is to build resilience that comes from having a healthy mindset. We hope our group members will become more aware of their unhealthy emotions and identify the thinking pattern that leads to those emotions. We hope they renew their thinking so they can change their emotions/ behaviors, and better discern what is good and pleasing to the Lord.

Read/Tell the Story: 2 Samuel 24 – David’s Census and Repentance

Questions:

Head – Why was God so angry with David for taking the census? (See tips and resources) – What emotions may have informed David’s decision to take matters into his own hands, rather than trusting in God?- How did God display mercy, even in His punishment?

Heart – When in your life have you taken matters into your own hands rather than relying on God?- How do you typically respond to discipline?- What discipline have you received that you are now thankful for?- What in your life has developed the most resilience in you?

Hands – How does your view of discipline affect your level of resilience?- Who is someone you would trust to help you make a difficult decision? Why would you trust that person?-What is an upcoming decision you will need to make, and how can you choose to align with God in your decision-making process?

Supporting Scripture: Romans 12:2, Proverbs 3:5-8, Hebrews 12:5-11

Tips and Resources: *A census was preliminary to a draft of soldiers and a levying of taxes. It seems, therefore, that David’s intent was to increase the royal power in a way that contrasted with humble reliance on God. Building Bounce: How to Grow Emotional Resilience by Marcus Warner

There are many more resources for this series linked at: https://realliferesources.org/currentseries/mastermind/