INTRODUCE: When has your curiosity led to a major purchase or change in your life?
READ: Nehemiah 1:1-8
Begin the time by praying together. Read together Isaiah 65:17-25
DISCUSS
1. Nehemiah was living a comfortable life. His important work of restoration in Jerusalem began with a question he asked of his brother. In what kind of situations have you found yourself asking questions about the struggles that some people face or what others’ lives are like?
2. Nehemiah did not run (move on with his life) from Hanani’s description of the difficulties being faced by the Jews in Jerusalem. Instead, he wept, fasted, and prayed…for 4 months. How does his response compare to the response you have had when hearing of people who are not as fortunate as you?
3. Share about a time when you have been led to show pro bono faith after hearing about struggles that some people face. How did it play out?
4. Bob Pierce, the founder of World Vision, said “Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God.” Discuss what breaks His heart that also breaks yours.
5. Pastor Robert challenged us to “lean in” to our curiosity and questions. Give an example of what you think he meant. Where and how do you find answers to questions that you have?
6. Pastor Robert cautioned, “BEWARE…in giving into curiosity, the answers you find may turn your world upside down.” What do you think he meant by that? Have you found that this has happened to you?
PRAY: Thank you, for giving me a calling. Please help me to be curious so that I can discover how it is that You want me to show a pro bono faith in our community and the world. Please help me to see the things that break Your heart and make me willing to have my heart broken by them, also. Amen
IN SMALLER GROUPS, SHARE AND PRAY:
Share one need for which you would like prayer today.
Take time to pray for one person at a time
Invite the Holy Spirit to guide your time
Listen to the Lord for guidance in how to pray for one another….and then pray
Suggested Books: Whatever It Takes by Jeffery Canada and The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns