a rod that sprouts... February 09

Pastor Vicky shared some great principles when she visited us recently. Here’s a quick summary of some great message points and then a few thought-starters to follow up on…

In Numbers 17:1-8, we read about the rod that blossomed. It was an impressive sight to see a dead stick blossom.

It was connected to a life source that couldn't be seen in the Tabernacle. What’s interesting there is that the miracle took place in stages — not big, instant and sudden.

The rod sprouted, budded, blossomed, and bore fruit of ripe almonds.

THINKING OUT LOUD… discuss how we think miracles work in our lives. What’s an example in your life when God has sprouted before you even saw the fruit?

Sometimes, we wonder if God is at work when we do not see instant and radical change. Every day, God is working and we disregard the miracle of sprouts.

THINKING OUT LOUD… what’s a good example of an instant change you’ve seen in your life? How do you cope when there’s a delay? Why the delay?

God works by process. In the creation story, it followed a process of six days. Some of us can get frustrated with being at Day 1.

Mark 8 - Jesus prayed for a blind man. The man saw a measure of healing and yet it was Jesus praying. The man had been blind and he received his sprouts. The sprouts were evident. Jesus prayed again and he got his buds. Give God the glory for sprouts and small beginnings.

THINKING OUT LOUD… what are the issues you need prayer for in your life right now? How is God already at work? What can you be thankful for? What can the group pray for with you?

We can get frustrated by the beginning of a miracle.

Give thanks for the sprouts and don't assume it's a coincidence.

The greatest miracles of God start on the inside. God works in processes. Creation is in stages.

THINKING OUT LOUD… a curly one… how do we protect ourselves from feeling disappointed by a process rather than an instant fix?