It's All in the Bag: A Bible Study Written by Our Founder Rodrika

Description: Life is full of challenges and blessings, and sometimes it can feel overwhelming to navigate through it all. "It's All in the Bag: A Bible Study" invites you to explore a unique perspective on life's journey through the story of a special guest speaker, Naomi Grabus, and her interactive message about the bag of life. Over the course of three sessions, you'll reflect on the gifts and resources God has placed in your life, learn to handle life's heat with His strength, and ultimately, accept His guidance and companionship on your journey. Each session includes a scripture, a reflection, a discussion guide, a prayer, and an action step to help you grow in faith and trust in God's plan for your life. Join us in discovering that everything you need is already in the bag, and God is with you every step of the way.

Session 1: The Bag of Life

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Reflection: This session begins with the story of our usual Tuesday morning gathering, where Naomi Grabus introduced us to a bag representing our lives. As the bag was passed around, Naomi asked Rachel to open it and see what was inside. Each item represented a part of the body, symbolizing the resources and gifts we are given at birth.

Discussion Guide:

1. What does Jeremiah 29:11 mean to you personally?

2. How do you identify the gifts and resources God has placed in your life?

3. Share a time when you felt overwhelmed and how you overcame it with the resources you had.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the life you have given me. Help me to recognize and utilize the gifts and resources you have placed in my "bag." Guide me to see your plan for my life and trust in the future you have prepared for me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Action Step: Take a moment to list the gifts, talents, and resources you have in your life. Reflect on how you can use them to overcome current challenges.

Session 2: Handling the Heat

Scripture: Isaiah 41:10 - "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Reflection: Naomi chose Rachel for the bag to stop with because she knew Rachel was feeling stuck and overwhelmed. Many times, we reach points where life gets "hot" and we want to give up. Naomi reminded us that God sees all our efforts and understands our struggles.

Discussion Guide:

1. Reflect on Isaiah 41:10 and discuss how it applies to your current situation.

2. How can you seek God's strength and support in times of difficulty?

3. Share an example of a struggle you faced and how you felt God's presence during that time.

Prayer: Lord, I feel overwhelmed and burdened by the challenges of life. I ask for your strength and support to carry me through. Help me to feel your presence and trust in your guidance. Thank you for always being there for me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Action Step: Identify a current struggle you are facing. Spend time in prayer, asking God to help you with this specific issue. Trust that He will provide the strength you need.

Session 3: Accepting the Journey

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Reflection: At the end of the exercise, Naomi asked Rachel if she would accept God to walk with her on her journey called life. This is a question we all need to ponder. Are we willing to surrender our burdens, our plans, and our lives to God, trusting Him to guide us?

Discussion Guide:

1. How does Proverbs 3:5-6 encourage you to trust in God?

2. What does it mean to acknowledge God in all your ways?

3. Discuss a decision or plan you need to surrender to God and how you can trust Him with it.

Prayer: Father, I open my heart to you and invite you to walk this journey of life with me. I surrender my plans and trust in your guidance. Help me to lean on you and acknowledge you in all my ways. Thank you for your everlasting love and support. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Action Step: Make a commitment to spend daily time with God, seeking His guidance and presence. Reflect on how you can acknowledge Him in your daily decisions and trust Him with your life's journey.