SERIES TITLE
Sustaining Faith
Alayna Towne Appel
On this Mother’s Day, Alayna shares her journey of faith in facing life’s challenges, emphasizing reliance on God. She recounts personal experiences including her daughter’s passing and son’s autism diagnosis, finding strength through sharing her story and faith. Referring to biblical verses, she highlights God’s power in weakness and encourages acceptance of struggles. Through her storytelling, she stresses the importance of finding hope and support in God amidst life’s unpredictability.
WARM UP
Share with your group your favorite phone app and why?
DISCUSSion
How can we find peace and strength in the midst of unexpected challenges in our lives?
Alayna shared her struggles and how she found peace. What challenges are you facing right now, and how can you practice relying on God during these difficult times?
What does the story of the blind man in John 9:1-3 teach us about finding purpose in our weaknesses? Read 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.
What weaknesses or vulnerabilities have you experienced in your life, and how can you see God using them for a greater purpose? How can we better support and encourage each other in our struggles?
Think of someone you know who may be going through a tough time. How can you reach out and support them?
What part does faith play in coping with painful experiences like the loss of a child?
Are there any painful experiences in your life where your faith has helped you cope? If not, how can you lean into your faith in the future?
In John 16:33, Jesus assures us of His victory over the world. What does this mean for us as believers?
How does knowing that Jesus has already won the victory affect the way you deal with life’s challenges?
wrap up | prayer
• Ask for prayer requests and take time to pray for each person’s specific needs.
• Pray for God’s guidance and strength to apply the sermon’s message of sustaining faith in our lives throughout the coming week.
• Pray for the ability to embrace our weaknesses and failures, knowing that God’s power works best in our weaknesses.
• Pray for a deeper understanding of God’s goodness and strength, and for the ability to find peace and strength in His presence.