Route 32
On this extraordinary day, Liz experiences one disappointment after another. So how does it become the best day ever?
Before You ListenLet's Get Started
Theme: Opportunities or Problems?
1. Psalm 32:5 shows that God is on our side. Even when we create the problems in our lives, God forgives us. How does God’s forgiveness help you every day?
2. Genesis 37, 38-50 tells the story of Joseph’s struggles and God’s faithfulness. Joseph was a person with big dreams. His brothers were going to bow down to him, and then he was going to be a high-ranking servant in the king’s palace and then he was going to help rule the kingdom. His big often didn’t turn out the way that he planned. Some people say “when a door closes, God opens a window”? Think about this phrase as you listen to this episode.
After you listen
Quiz
A: A visit to Lizard World and a ride on the Splashcoaster.
A: His MP3 player conked out, pool was closed, Splashcoaster was closed, air conditioner broke, car broke down.
A: Because his song was playing when he asked God to forgive his sins.
Reflect
In this episode, Liz’s dad said “With each problem you face, God gives you an opportunity.” Liz faced all kinds of disappointment in this episode, but in the end had some awesome experiences.
Problems come our way everyday. What's important is how you look at your problems—are they painful experiences, or opportunities in disguise? The next time something goes wrong, look for the opportunity it brings. Is it a chance to learn more about God, to invite God to work inside you, to grow in God? Ask God to show you the opportunity hidden in the problem. You'll be surprised at how much you grow!
Want to dig deeper and learn more about God’s opportunities for us? Check out 2 Timothy 1:7, Proverbs 16:3 and 1 John 5:14-15.
Challenge
Seeds are an example of waiting for God’s promises. Plant a seed in soil in a container in your house. Nothing will happen for a while—it will keep looking dead, but things are happening that you can't see. When your plant starts to peek out of the dirt, let it remind you that God is working beneath the surface of what seems like hopeless situations.
