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The 911 Handbook Study Guide Questions
Lesson 1 / Chapter 1
When You Need God to Provide: Does God Consider the Odds?
Some people view God's provision for them like a bookie takes bets on horses. The odds of some horses winning are better than others. For example, if the solution to the problem is easy, the odds of God's provision appear to be good. However, if the solution is difficult, the odds of God's provision appear unlikely. This is a wrong view of how God provides for his people.
Using the example of the fish with the coin in its mouth, discuss from God's perspective how he performed the miracle.
According to Jeremiah 32:17, 27, what problem is too difficult for God?
Fact #1: God knows our needs before we ask.
After reading Matthew 17:24-27 make a list of the things Jesus knew before they happened.
Read Psalm 139:1-4. What are seven things mentioned in this passage that God knows about you?
Do you think God is fully aware of your present situation?
If God knows our needs before we ask (Matt. 6:8), why should we pray?
Fact #2: God controls events that we can't control.
Discuss the reasons why Jesus told Peter to use a hook rather than a net.
The fish with the coin in its mouth bit on Peter's hook. How does this demonstrate that God controls circumstances that are beyond our control?
How does this apply to the problems we face every day?
Fact #3: God's timing is perfect.
A "divine appointment" occurs when God causes two paths to cross at an appointed time. Discuss what can be learned from the following divine appointments:
What would have happened if the whale was late for the appointment?
What was God's purpose for the whale?
Do you think Abraham was expecting God to provide a ram (see Heb. 11:17-19)?
What is the connection between obedience and provision?
What does this teach us about God's provision at the last moment?
Fact #4: God supplies needs to those who obey him.
God didn't cause the fish to jump into the boat. Jesus told Peter to "throw in a hook." Sometimes we must throw out some lines in order to see God's provision. What are some modern day examples of "throwing out lines"?
Have you ever thrown out a line? Discuss.
What are some modern day examples of "fishing in the Dead Sea"? Have you ever done this? Discuss.
If Peter had thrown out of net instead of a hook, what would have been some possible consequences of his disobedience?
In this example of the fish with the coin in its mouth, what have you learned about God's provision?
In what ways can you exercise this new faith in God to provide?