Message: weathering storms-Supplies & Purposes
Week of March 22, 2009

Thematic Focus
The outcomes of storms we face are often different from what we expect and even hope for. Explore with us the ways God uses our personal storms to fulfill His purposes.

Main Points
There are times in the midst of storms where God:
·  Gives us the strength to swim.
·  Uses pieces of people of our lives to get through it.

Storms take us in different directions and throw our lives off course.

God is able to use our storms to fulfill His purposes:
·  In your life.
·  In the live of others.

Summary Points
Through Paul's faithfulness God provided for his needs and future journey.

Scriptural Lenses:
· Acts 27:43-28:10

Pursuing clarity
Use the following structure to guide your discussion personal reflection and discussion:

Opening Prayer
Take a moment to recognize Christ’s presence with you.

Opening Question
What are some different ways God might use a personal storm to fulfill His purposes? To reveal His character?

Scriptural Focus
Select a scripture you would like to focus on.

Group Discussion
Use these questions to begin your discussion:

1. God gives us strength and sometimes uses pieces of our lives to help us. What are some examples of this?
2. How does knowing God can use a storm to grow us and others help us to face the storms?
3. How does a storm affect the direction of our lives?
4. Are you willing to see each storm as an opportunity to grow personally? Grow closer to God? Are you willing to embrace a new sense of purpose?
5. Are you willing to allow God to use your personal storm to influence the lives of others?
6. The Biblical character of Job lost everything in the midst of a personal storm, what can we take away from his experience? His response? His faith?