Hey everybody, Benton Cranford here. I have a big announcement if you haven’t heard already, my wife and I are expecting our first child! We couldn’t be more excited… and also afraid. We have been making appointments and signing up for classes, and I have been waiting for the “how to be a dad” class. I have been recently informed that there is no class like that. Well, what do I do? Where do I go?

For you, it may not be a baby, but there are sometimes when you have a sense of fear and feel unsure about your situation. This Sunday as we continue our series on fasting we will look a story found in 2 Chronicles 20, to find our remedy. So join us this Sunday… and your unsure situations are welcome too!

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SEE IT // BE IT

(WEEKLY COMMUNITY GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE)

Title: Fast 1: Partnering With God // Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20

ARRIVAL / SOCIAL TIME 15-20 minutes Spend the first 15 minutes or so of your time together catching up and socializing with one another. Also find time to catch up together on how the assignments from last week turned out.

SERMON REVIEW 5-10 minutes

In our second week of learning more about the Biblical discipline of fasting, we turn to a time in the history of the kingdom of Judah when Jehoshaphat was faced with a siege of enemies. Even in his fear he remembered to seek God and called all of Judah to a fast. All the men, women and children came together not only to abstain from food but also to listen to God. He spoke through one of the prophets to tell them they would be delivered without even having to fight. The king reminded everyone to believe everything that God had said and sent the musicians out ahead of the army to give thanks for what God was about to do. Judah took a stand with confidence believing that the Lord their God would bring victory for his glory.

THE MAIN THOUGHT keep this in mind as you facilitate discussion.

With faith in Jesus we can walk into unsure difficulty knowing that the victory is the Lord’s.

SEE IT – Questions 10-15 minutes

Picture (What is the story saying?): What was facing Jehoshaphat? What were his choices? What strategy did Jehoshaphat choose? What happened when Judah made room for God?

Mirror (Where am I in the story?): Where has your family been under siege? Where is the next generation under siege? In times of trouble how do you seek God? How have you or others in your life taken a stand? What did God do?

Window (How does the story change how I see those around me?): Are any of your neighbors or friends facing something that feels like a siege is underway? Where is there a need for someone to “stand up” and partner with what God is doing?

BE IT – Practice 15 minutes

Change UP // Exercise

Jehoshaphat sent the singers and musicians out ahead of the army to give thanks before the victory was seen with their own eyes. Take time this week to write down reasons you are grateful to God. Turn that gratitude into fuel for worship by speaking, singing or shouting out your list of thanks! It doesn’t have to sound pretty to be a beautiful expression of worship.

Change IN // Group Activity

Call your family or a small group to a fast on behalf of a school, people group or neighbor. After the fast, talk about what God is saying about a place to “stand up” and partner with him

Change OUT // Life Application Assignment

If you are able, commit to fasting at least one meal this week and use that time to pray and seek God about a place in your life where you feel afraid or under siege. Remember the victory Jesus has won on your behalf and listen for assurance of God’s provision for you.

CLOSING PRAYER 5 minutes
Take a few minutes to gather any prayer requests and pray for each other to SEE IT and BE IT this week.