Providential Relationships and Pivotal Moments

Every individual will have a time in their life that they never saw coming. It could be a job loss, a challenging health issue, or a relationship conflict. We call these instances Pivotal Moments, and the funny thing is, not every Pivotal Moment is bad nor does every moment blindside you. Think of these moments – marriage, birth of a baby, or accepting a new job. These are all good things as you experience an inevitable shift in your life. The question we need to ask is this, “Am I moving towards God or away from God?” The beautiful thing about God is, in the hardest times, or the best of times, God will and does send someone to help us in the form of a Providential Relationship.

John 11

Discussion topics

1. Give a brief example of an event or set of circumstances in your life that led to a feeling of helplessness or being out of control. The event can be positive or negative. As you think back on this incident, what role did God play in your thoughts? Did you pray? Did you not pray? Did you pray differently? Were you angry?

2. Read and discuss John 11:11-15:

11. After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.” 

12. His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.” 

13. Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep. 

14. So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, 

15. and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”

3. What did Martha already believe about Jesus?  What did Jesus ask her to believe?  What is the difference?

4. In your own words, explain what Pivotal Moments and Providential Relationships are.

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