It’s Your Time
Larry Brey
Conversation Starters
What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen go wrong at a wedding?
When you are participating in a special event (i.e. birthday party, fundraiser, baby shower) what role do you normally play: the guest, the problem solver, the organizer?
Larry Brey said a sermon Pastor Steven preached inspired him to preach, “It’s Your Time.” What’s a movie, book, person, or podcast that’s inspired you? What did it inspire you to do?
Make It Personal
Read John 2:1-11. There were three groups of people at the wedding in Cana: people who ENJOYED the solution to the problem, people who KNEW how the problem was solved, and those who BELIEVED because they were close enough to witness the miracle.
Name someone (or category of person) that you have an “enjoy” relationship with, a “know” relationship with, and a “belief” relationship with? What’s the difference between those relationships?
In your relationship with Jesus, which group would you place yourself in?
There’s a difference between knowledge and belief. How would you define the two?
Mary first took her problem to Jesus. When you are struggling, who do you normally turn to or take your problems to, first? Is Jesus sometimes your last resort? Why or why not?What prompted Mary to go to Jesus was an “it” — a problem at the wedding. What’s your “it” — problem or frustration — that you’re currently facing?Your problems matter to God, and He wants to show Himself to you through them. In the past, how has God shown up in a difficult season in your life and what did he reveal to you about His character?Larry said, “Frustration is an opportunity for revelation.” How is your perspective of Jesus being upgraded in the frustrations you’re facing right now?Progressive revelation is how our beliefs change over a period of time through the relationships we encounter or develop with others. How have you experienced a progressive revelation in your own life? (e.g. as a friend, co-worker, parent, sibling, child, etc.) How have you experienced it in your relationship with God?
Are you living in an outdated revelation of who He is to you? What are a few steps you can take to update your perspective?
When was a time you didn’t understand something about God — something He brought into your life, something He took away, or a time when He seemed silent? Did you continue to trust Him in spite of that or walk away because you felt He acted in a way you didn’t expect? This week, how can you remember that “It’s Your Time” and view your problems as an invitation to first go to God and deepen your relationship with Him?This week, how can you remember that “It’s Your Time” and view your problems as an invitation to first go to God and deepen your relationship with Him?
Act On It
The book of John is a book of belief and a misunderstanding of miracles. Spend time in relationship with Jesus this week by reading this book. It will help you reframe your “it” and remember that Jesus wants to use your problem to reveal Himself to you.Each day, set aside time to read and respond to what you are reading. Then pray and talk to God as you strengthen your relationship with Him.
Day 1: John 1-4
Day 2: John 5-8
Day 3: John 9-12
Day 4: John 13-16
Day 5: John 17-21
Worship and Prayer
Lord, thank you for using our “its,” our problems, and frustrations to give us a fresh perspective of who You are. During times of plenty and times of want, may we continue to seek a deeper relationship with You and remember that Your love will never fail us. In Jesus’ name, amen.