What is God Building Out of Your Inefficiencies?

CELEBRATION CHURCH SERMON DISCUSSION GUIDE:   WHAT IS GOD BUILDING OUT OF YOUR INEFFICIENCIES?

What is God Building Out of Your Inefficiencies?

Pastor Zach Prosser Nehemiah 1:1 – 2:18

 Faith in the face of bad reports
o Nehemiah was told of Jerusalem’s trouble, and prayed
o He had faith in God’s promises
o He knew the effects of sin, but knew redemption was greater

 “We live in a sin affected world, but Christ redeemed us to have joy in this life”

• Discuss a time when your faith has been bigger than your circumstance. How did you remind yourself of God’s promises in that time?

 Interceding in the waiting
o God moved Nehemiah’s emotions for Jerusalem, and he prayed and fasted for 4 months

o “What you cannot cry for, you will not battle for”
o God already had the provision for the need (Nehemiah2:4-8), but He was preparing Nehemiah

 “In the test, we see the glory of the Lord in a way we wouldn’t have otherwise”

• Discuss a time when you had to wait for God’s answer. Was God’s timing or solution different from yours? How did you grow or see God differently during this time?

 Assessing the need
o Nehemiah took wise counsel with him to assess the rubble

o He didn’t ignore the problem, but took stock of the need

 He saw the situation was dire, but he also saw what God could do

 He didn’t get stuck on what happened, he saw with faith
o When God gives us a vision, He gives the provision, and the people (Nehemiah 2:17-18)

o Rubble doesn’t mean the end, it means God is rebuilding

• Has there been a time in your life where God rebuilt your rubble? How did your faith help you see what God could do instead of what was in ruin?

688 Dan Street, Akron, OH 44310 | 330-762-7458 | www.CCAkron.org