Most of us can relate to feeling out of place when everyone else seems to understand something that we just don’t see. Some things, like art, can be confusing at a glance, but only fully understood with time, contemplation, and the patient instruction of someone who knows a bit more than we do.

Key Takeaways

You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be present.

As we see in the story of the Ethiopian eunuch who is assisted by Philip, growing in understanding of our faith often requires help from others.

When we slow down to spend time with God’s Word and ask for help from his people there is nothing stopping us from taking a next step in our faith. Likewise, we don’t have to have all of the answers to be that kind of help to someone else.

Being present and obediently serving where we are needed opens doors for us to share what we have learned about God with those he leads us toward. Our willingness to walk alongside them may be all that is needed to bring them a new understanding of all that God has for them.

Pray

Prayer is our time to talk to God. Let this prayer help to inspire your own conversations with God this week.

God,

You are a good and patient father. Your love and grace are a gift- there is nothing stopping me from receiving them. I am so grateful for who you are and the opportunity to get to know you better each day.

Father, I know that I don’t always leave time and space to understand your Word fully. Please forgive me for the times I have let pride keep me from seeking clarity about things that I don’t yet understand.

Please reveal yourself to me in ways that I can understand. Send me good teachers in my life who will help me to know you better. As I grow, give me to confidence to share what I learn with others. Help me to remember that I don’t have to have all the answers in order to share your love.

I trust you to guide me toward opportunities to share the Good News. Though I may not always understand, I will obey and follow where you lead. Guard my heart and mind as I walk with you.

Amen.

Worship

Bring the worship set from this weekend into your slot and spot! Remember, you don’t have to be perfect – just be present.

By God’s grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News. – Ephesians 3:7 NLT

• Another Stone – Elevation Worship
• God of the Promise – Elevation Worship
• Set My Eyes – Michael Bethany

Learn

This week read through the book of Acts, and learn more about the Bible, how to share your faith and how we learn from one another.

Read

• Acts 8:26-40
• How to Share Your Faith

Listen

• Be there for People – Dwell Differently

Watch

• Walk With The Wise – Pastor Mark Johnston
• Acts 8-12
• The Story of the Bible

Reflect

Reflect on these questions during your slot and spot/discussions with others.

This week, we are reminded that our faith can grow when we slow down to spend time with God’s Word and ask others for clarity.

• Can you think of a time you needed help understanding a part of the Bible? How did you get clarification? Is there someone in your life who you feel you can ask about the Bible?
• At the Journey, a Slot and Spot is what we call the time we spend praying and reading the Bible. What does your Slot and Spot look like? What steps can you take to make it a consistant habit?

Read Acts 8:26-40. Philip is instructed by the Holy Spirit to walk up to the Ethiopian Eunuch’s chariot, even though he was not invited.

• Have you ever felt nudged to do something that was outside of your comfort zone? How did it turn out?

By obeying the direction of the Holy Spirit, Philip was exactly where he needed to be to help the Ethiopian eunuch in his understanding of Scripture and to share the Good News about Jesus.

• Have you ever been in a position where you were asked questions about God or the Bible and you thought “Who, me?” How did the conversation go?
• If someone asked you today to explain why you are a follower of Jesus, what would your answer be? What is YOUR story about how God moved in your life?

Next Steps

• Decide to spend time surrounded by others who will walk alongside you in your faith. Join a J-Group.
• Who in your life has questions about God? You don’t have to have all the answers. Just show up. Try inviting them to join you in reading a YouVersion Bible reading plan that speaks to their questions.