The 911 Handbook
Study Guide Answers
Lesson 7 Chapter 7
When You Are Disappointed: God's Recipe for Leftovers
Answers are written in italics
Leftovers: Second-Choice Casserole
Read Gen. 13:5-9
Even though Abram had the right to choose first, he gave Lot the first choice of land. What does this show concerning Abram's belief in God's sovereignty (God's ability to control outcomes)?
Abram believed God had complete control of the circumstances in his life.
What attitude do you think Abram had during this land deal?
Abram wasn't angry or regretful when he gave Lot the first choice. He had peace of mind and rejoiced in the Lord.
How can we apply his example to our lives today?
When people take advantage of us, we can rejoice because God is in control of our lives and determines the outcome.
Why did God wait until after Lot made his choice to tell Abram his land was the promised land?
Giving the first choice to Lot was an act of faith. After the deal was completed, God rewarded Abram's faith. Sometimes we don't know what God will do until after we have acted in faith.
Lot's land, which appeared best at first, turned into a nightmare. Abram's land, which appeared to be leftovers, turned out to be the promised land. What can we learn from this?
The present is not the future. It is a mistake to believe that present circumstances will always remain the same. God's blessing makes the difference between a good future and a bad one.
Leftovers: Canaanite Crumb Cake
Read Matt. 15:21-28
Why did Jesus ignore the Canaanite woman's requests?
She was a Gentile and He was only sent to the house of Israel.
How did the less than warm response by Jesus develop her faith?
He faith grew by the challenges she faced. Real faith is not discouraged by adversity.
What can we learn from this concerning God's will and persistence?
Although Jesus' responses to her appeared to say it wasn't God's will to heal her daughter, He healed her. This proved it was God's will. We shouldn't assume something is not God's will simply because we face adversity. God rewards persistent faith.
Even though this Gentile woman didn't have the opportunities to receive from the Messiah like the Israelites had, what did she have that the Jews didn't?
She had a much better understanding of God's ability to bless.
Leftovers: Andrew's Fish and Chips
Read John 6:5-13
When Jesus performed the miracle of feeding the multitude with five loaves and two fish, there were 12 baskets of leftovers. Why didn't He make the food come out even?
He wanted to show that He could supply more than they needed.
Why did He tell His disciples to gather up the leftovers?
He had plans to serve them again.
What can we learn from this?
God has plans for our leftovers.
Have the group discuss some examples when they received leftovers. Are there any testimonies where the leftovers turned into a blessing? Pray for those who are still waiting for God to do a miracle with them.