Date: March 20, 2022
A Life of Trust
The Point: We can trust Jesus because He is the way, the truth, and the life.
Get Into the Study
Use the following to introduce today’s session.
Church leaders in Ukraine are asking for prayer and Bibles as Russia has invaded their country. In the midst of uncertainty, many Ukrainian church leaders are staying put to help displaced people, lead prayer, and tell others about Jesus. Anatoliy Raychynets, the deputy general secretary of the Ukrainian Bible Society, says he has been sharing God’s Word with people, specifically Psalm 31. Raychynets adds that in this time of uncertainty, demand for Bibles is so high that the Bible Society store in Kyiv has run out of Bibles completely.
Another local pastor asked for prayer, “I ask you, in the name of Jesus Christ—whoever can pray, please keep us in your prayers.” Viacheslav Khramov went on to add, “Today, the war started on our land. We ask everyone who is able to pray, please pray for us. Pray for Ukraine. Pray that lives are spared, as well as our bodies and souls.”
As we consider the terror and turmoil that comes with war, and the physical dangers and displacement, we too can recognize the need to trust Jesus, turning to Him in prayer and seeking Him in Scripture.
Share copies of the prayer guide provided by Send Relief. You can also direct your group to Send Relief or the American Bible Society to make donations.
Nikki Wilbanks grew up in Tennessee before heading to California to study literature at Pepperdine University. After graduation, she enjoyed a decade-long career as a commercial real estate appraiser and investor. Having returned to Tennessee with her husband, she is now thrilled to be a stay-at-home mom and writer.
Get Into the Study Option (from Adult Leader Guide, p. 37)
To introduce the icebreaker question, play a video illustrating trust. Then ask Question #1.
Live It Out
Use the following story to conclude the session.
As the violence in Ukraine continues, one unique truth about suffering remains: in crisis, people put their trust in Jesus. According to Robert L. Briggs, the head of the American Bible Society, the demand for Bibles in Ukraine is currently soaring. Briggs’ Ukrainian counterpart, Anatoliy Raychynets, shared that while people at his church are fearful of loss, “he has been sharing Psalm 31 with anyone searching for reassurance.” He reports that people are often surprised to hear words that, according to them, sound like they could have been written in Kyiv in 2022: “Praise be to the LORD, for he showed me the wonders of his love when I was in a city under siege” (v. 21).
“As people grapple with unknown,” Briggs writes, “many are experiencing the Bible’s message for the first time ever. According to Anatoliy, priests and pastors over the past weeks have been flocking to the Bible Society store in Kyiv to buy Bibles.”
What a bright spot in this darkness, that God’s Word is coming to life anew for the people of Ukraine. What a witness to God’s unending faithfulness. Scripture meets us in our trials in unique and powerful ways—and it ministers to those around the globe who are suffering. As we pray for Ukraine, and all who are suffering and persecuted, and as we walk through our own hardships, let us always remember that we can still trust God, and turn to His Word. He is the constant truth in a world that continues to change and lie to us. May we feel the freedom and joy that comes with putting our trust in Jesus, now and in the future.
Ashley Emmert is a freelance writer and editor. She lives in Chicagoland with her husband and three sons.
Additional Questions
Icebreaker
- When has your life taken an unexpected turn?
- What’s a job or skill where you have a lot of confidence in your own abilities?
- When has your life been marked by more questions than answers?
John 13:36–14:1
- What is the thing or circumstance in your life that is difficult to trust God with?
- What are some reasons we might want to trust our own abilities instead of trust God?
- What benefits have you received by trusting in God?
John 14:2-3
- How do you imagine the place Jesus is preparing for us?
- In what ways does Jesus’ preparation of our heavenly home encourage you?
- What emotions do you experience when you read these verses?
John 14:4-6
- How would you explain to someone who says “but I’m a good person” that being a good person isn’t enough?
- How is a person’s life who has hope of eternal life in Jesus different than a person’s life who believes there is nothing after this life?
- When do you find it hardest to trust in Jesus?
For Those in Your Group
Send the following link to your group members as either a teaser before the group meets or as a follow-up thought:
Podcast
Click here for a 20-minute podcast for both the group member and the leader.
Magazine Article
This article complements the study. Share this link with your group members.
- HomeLife – Promises Given
Tips for Leading Bible Study Groups
Podcast (adultsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
I really appreciate what y’all do. These podcast and other resources help me better lead the group.
The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace
Thank you for your encouraging words. And thank you for letting us be a part of your Bible study!