Download the Teaching Slides

Big Idea

Now there was no water for the congregation. And they assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron. And the people quarreled with Moses and said, “Would that we had perished when our brothers perished before the Lord! Why have you brought the assembly of the Lord into this wilderness, that we should die here, both we and our cattle? And why have you made us come up out of Egypt to bring us to this evil place? It is no place for grain or figs or vines or pomegranates, and there is no water to drink.” Numbers 20:2-5

Most important part of leading is to EXPECT PAIN. In order to lead well, we need to ask God to increase our capacity to deal with pain.

Ice Breaker

Share with the group the last time you complained about someone’s leadership. What do you think you were wanting or grasping for?

Next Step

Discuss :: In what areas of life am I a leader and in what areas am I a follower? When things don’t go my way, how do I respond: in pity, power, or do I face the pain?

Additional Discussion Questions

Think through the first two questions in your close relationships or your relationships at work.

1. When things don’t go your way and you find yourself moving toward pity or power, what does that say about your relationship with God?
   Share your thoughts with the group.
   

2. When you find yourself in pity or power, what helps you to come back to Christ? Think of a story or two to reflect on. What did you want, and how did God redirect you?
   

3. As a group or individually, write out a list of the ways God responds to complaining in Numbers 20. Allow the Holy Spirit to use this list to invite you into humble dependence on Him in the seasons of not getting what you want.
   

4. Consider offering a time of community confession of sin. It’s good to humble ourselves before God in community with one another. Approach the mercy seat together and ask for His mercy, and also a new tenderness toward the Spirit when we feel the pull to criticize.