WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT:
Here is an overview of what
we’re talking about. Listed below the summary is a “parent cue” to help you
dialog with your child about the session. The question is intended not just to
be asked by you, but to be responded to by BOTH
of you. Use this opportunity to find out what God is teaching your child, and
allow your child to see what God is teaching you as well.
Series Overview
Every one of us has experienced
it at some point. At one time, we were really into a relationship—whether
that’s a friendship or a dating relationship—and now, well, not so much. We’re
just not that into it anymore. So we walk away or we let the relationship die.
But what happens when that relationship you’re not that into anymore is the one
you have with God? You were really into Him at one point. You were feeling
connected, directed, close. Now it feels like nothing. How do you deal with it?
Session One: The Breakup? (May
3rd)
There is a natural ebb and flow
to our relationships, isn’t there? There are times when we feel really close to
someone, and times when we don’t. The reasons vary, but there are times when
we’re just not feeling that into a relationship. It’s true of our friendships
and other relationships, but what happens when it happens in our relationship
with God? And when it does, why is it so difficult to admit it?
Session One Parent Cue: Describe a time when you felt really
close to God. Now, describe a time when you felt really distant from Him.
Session Two: Fight for Me (May
10th)
When you’re not that into a
relationship, you have a choice—to stay or to go. God has made it very clear in
the Bible that He’s not going anywhere. He’s in. But we’re the ones who
struggle with the choice, and that struggle sometimes involves fighting our own
feelings and perceptions. It’s a fight that we have to be willing to take on,
and a decision each of us has to make. And while it may feel like it, it’s not
one-sided, God isn’t going anywhere. So are you going to fight your own
tendencies to pull away? Are you going to fight for your relationship with God?
Session Two Parent Cue: Have you ever been tempted to walk
away from God? What made you come back to Him . . . or walk away?
Session Three: Do You Know Me? (May
24th)
So you decided to fight, to
stay in your relationship with God even though you’re feeling not that into
Him. And for some of you, you’ve already seen a big change. There’s a new
connection. There’s excitement. But for others, you’re fighting and nothing’s
happening. You’re working, but you’re not getting anything in return. So what’s
the problem? It may be that “me” is getting in the way, that your focus is on
you. And in the process, you have made God very small, boring and predictable—a
God you think you know, but One who is actually so much bigger than us.
Session Three Parent Cue: What are some things you’ve
learned about God in your relationship with Him? Search online for “names of
God” and go through the list and identify specific ways you’ve “experienced”
those names. For example, one of the names of God means “provider.” How have
you seen God provide in your life?