TUESDAY: YOUR JOURNEY PRAY. It is always a great idea to open your condo time with prayer. You can pray specifically for students’ walls to be torn down and for God to move in their hearts and lives. NOW BEGIN BY OPENING UP THE DISCUSSION TIME AND ASKING THEM WHAT THEY THOUGHT OF THE FILM. This might be awkward at first as some students might not be as comfortable with each other yet. Allow for some awkward silence and give them a chance to build some courage to share. Write their responses below: • Just like Brian felt defeated by his standup act and Peter felt defeated by the waves, we too can feel defeated when we take our eyes off of Jesus. Refer to some of their answers to the previous questions. What was Jesus’ response to Peter? Have students read Matthew 14:31 and give answer Jesus responded with a question. “Why did you doubt Me?” Explain that Peter probably felt really convicted by that response because Peter knew Jesus would never let him down. We just have to keep our eyes on Him. Then pose the same question to your students. Why do we doubt God? • How can we leave <strong>Beach</strong> <strong>Retreat</strong> and go back home with our eyes fixed on Jesus? Don’t accept “churchy” answers. Make them dig deep for this one. 28 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: • Have you ever been asked to do something super far out of your comfort zone? Did you actually do it and if so, how did you feel afterward? This will probably be a question that can get a little carried away. If it does, just wrap up the question and connect their answers to what you’re about to discuss. • Brian’s next two assignments are completely out of his comfort zone. He asks Callie out on a date face-to-face and also does standup comedy. Does Brian do everything exactly right in either of these situations? Allow students to answer – “no!” In fact, after his standup act, he feels like he failed. But Callie came in and showed him that his mistakes didn’t matter and that she still cared for him. What is your reaction when you feel defeated or like you didn’t succeed at something? This is a good opportunity to share your reaction. This will help them relate to you on a more practical level. • On our journey through life and in our relationship with God, we will have seasons where we are on track with God and moments where we take our eyes off of Jesus. Peter let himself get distracted by the waves and he took his eyes off of Jesus. What happened when he did that? What are some things that can take our eyes off of Jesus? BIBLICAL TEXT USED TODAY IN THE FILM: Matthew 14:22-36 Immediately He made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away. After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “You are certainly God’s Son!” When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. And when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent word into all that surrounding district and brought to Him all who were sick; and they implored Him that they might just touch the fringe of His cloak; and as many as touched it were cured. PRAY. Always end each morning condo time in prayer.
“Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, REVEL in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them.” Philippians 4:4 29
Change language