Impact - End of Week 5

INTRODUCTION
The following is a guide to help facilitate discussion between you and the person you’re studying with or with your Connect Group. Feel free to add, subtract, or change questions to fit the conversation, and pray for the Spirit to lead in all things.

OPEN QUESTIONS
Were you ever picked last for a team?  If so, why?  Or were you ever surprised by someone doing something that you never would have imagined or chosen them to do that thing in a million years (this could be a personal thing, or something you witnessed in the world of sports, or something you learned about in history).

HEAD

1. Read Joshua 6:17-18, 21-23, Numbers 24–28, 30, Numbers 13:31-14:6, 9, Joshua 14:9-12 together and share any wisdom, insights, or thoughts that come to you from the reading.
2. Many would say that Rahab was the last person that would have considered or expected to help the Israelites out.  What do you think this expeirence did for Rahab?  Was there ever anyone in your life that would have been the last person you would have chosen for a task, who ended up being the best person to help?
3. Rahab’s story, from prosititute to hero, is a great example of how God is NEVER done with any of us.  What hope can you find for your own journey through the account of Rahab and the israelites?
4. Caleb chose to focus not on the obstacles or challenges, but on the God of the universe who had delivered them time and time again.  How can you and I help each other stay focused on God, instead of what we see with our eyes?
5. Why do you think the Israelites faith was so fickle?  God had done so many amazing things, supernatural things, but they are so quick to weep and cry and seek to run after the report of the spies in Canaan.  Why?

HEART

1. What are some of the promises God has made that you most cherish and remind yourself of, especially when life gets tough?
2. How has God blessed you in this life that you, at one point, never thought was possible?
3. Thank God for Caleb, who chose to see God instead of the obstacles.  What are some ways you and I can be a Caleb, today?  Are there Caleb’s in your community that you could thank and affirm?
4. Moving forward in faith is easier when we do it together, in community, and when we remind each other along the way of all the Lord has done.  How do you see this happening in your community of faith?  How can you contribute to this in your community of faith?

HANDS
What obstacles are you facing in your life right now?  What is holding you back from getting involved in your community, from reaching out to reconcile with the person you’ve suffered a broken relationship with, from doing whatever hard work that is in front of you today?  What promises of God’s can you claim that would help you step forward in faith?  Take time this week to remind yourself of God’s promises, searching through Scripture to see the many ways God has promised to be there for you, in you, never leaving or forsaking you.  Then pray for the courage to move forward in faith, and move.

LIVING WORDS FOR YOUR WEEK
“For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory.”
2 Corinthians 1:20 NLT