INTRO–Which hand will you choose?READ MATTHEW 28:1-10

It has been a crazy economic year in the United States and many people are hoping that the current recession doesn’t become a depression. But how will you respond to this crisis? On one hand there is a fear factor that you personally could become unemployed, loose your savings or pension, or even find yourself with no money or resources. On the other hand there is a faith factor, that God connection to purpose and promise for your life. The question you have to answer is which hand will be dominant in my life? For many years this country has had good economic times but with the increase of wealth come decreased dependence upon God. It is times like now that God corrects your life and uses crisis to change you for the better.

• Name one thing that has happened in the past month that caused you to have a little apprehension.


• What is the biggest crisis in your life right now? Do you truly believe God is bigger than that crisis?

REALIZE–Faith is not the absence of fearRe-Read Matthew 28:8 & John 14:27

Just as the women at the tomb were both afraid and filled with joy, realize that faith is not the absence of fear but courage to act in spite of fear. Fear can act as a faith neutralizer and as well as shut you down spiritually, relationally and emotionally and cause you to quit growing as a person. But instead of reacting to fear, you need to become proactive in spite of fear. Jesus most certainly had fear before going to the cross, but also chose to go forward with courage and commitment in spite of the circumstances. And you also have the same choice to either move forward in faith or surrender to your circumstances,

• What is your initial reaction to great fear? How do you normally get past it?


• How do you show trust in Christ during trying times? Do you trust in Jesus or yourself more to pull you through?

PRIORITIZE–The Who instead of the whatRe-Read Matthew 28:5-6 & John 11:25

What crisis in life often shows is that many Christians are not focused on the Who but the what. Instead of seeking Jesus where true life and strength are found, even followers tend to seek security, happiness, wealth, leisure, comfort and success which are not life giving sources. And since faith is the foundation upon which all life decisions and priorities are made, only faith in Jesus, not these other things, will lead to the abundant kingdom building life promised by God.

• What have you sought after lately instead of totally seeking the Who?


• Describe a time you stood on your faith in Christ or on God’s promise to take care of you when life was seemingly out of control.


• Other than Jesus, name something in which you put your faith? Does it affect your decision making?

EXERCISE–Activate and ArticulateRe-Read Matthew 28:10 & Romans 10:9-10

Faith must be active to be useful in your life and the angel gave the women two specific things to do now that Jesus was resurrected from the dead: to go and to tell. In your spiritual life if you stay where you are, you will really only be standing in front of an empty tomb. To experience the risen Christ you have to be engaged in action. And God unleashes power in and through your life when you willingly let others know who you are by revealing whose you are in Jesus.

• What action of faith do you feel God is calling you to fulfill? Who might be someone you need to tell about your life in Jesus Christ?


• How can you take Jesus’ words, “Take courage, don’t be afraid,” and apply them to your life situations today?