01-08-2023 This is Living! Trusting

ICEBREAKER
When you go on trips, are you adventurous or cautious?

We're discussing a teaching series from church called "This is Living!: The Thrill of Life in Christ." During this series we'll be exploring the "abundant life" in Christ and how to find it. This week, our discussion will be around Matthew 14 where Jesus calls Peter to trust him and "Come!" out of the boat to walk on the water with him. 
REVIEW & DISCUSS

1. Read Matthew 14:25-31.
   1. Notice Peter said, "“Lord, if it’s you tell me to come to you on the water.” If that was you, would you have asked Jesus to let you come out of the boat? 
   2. What do you think is meant by "when he saw the wind, he was afraid"?
   3. What led to Peter's doubt and what was Jesus' response?
   4. What was the thrill that Peter experienced as a result of his trust in Jesus? How do you think he felt afterward?
2. Pastor Jim shared three principles to keep in mind as we step out in various ways to trust God.
   1. "With God, all things are possible but that doesn’t mean they’re inevitable."
      
      1. Reflect on this principle together. What does it mean?
      2. How is this principle helpful?
   2. "God never promises to calm your storms. He promises to calm your heart."
      
      1. Reflect on this principle together. What does it mean?
      2. How is this principle helpful?
   3. "God doesn’t promise to do it for you. He promises to do it with you."
      1. Reflect on this principle together. What does it mean?
      2. How is this principle helpful?
3. In what way might God be calling you to trust him and step out of the boat today?​

PRAYER
First, take some time to identify ways you can pray about what you just discussed. Second, take some time to ask for additional prayer requests. Then close your time together in praise and prayer.