Page 147 - First Steps 2023

• You’re not alone
In a world that defines friendship as occasionally liking one another’s
posts, Jesus offers something far, far deeper. He commits to you in a way
that’s intimate and unchanging.
He’s in for the duration—and nothing will get in the way of his love for
you or cause him to walk away from you. Nothing.

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor
demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither
height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to
separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord”
(Romans 8:38-39).

If that sort of friendship doesn’t inspire joy in you—well, then you
don’t understand the power of being loved.

• You’re safe
Life’s uncertain. Troubles and challenges pop up around you like a
summer thunderstorm. But nothing and no one can pull you out of the
safety of your friendship with God, or change the end of your story: An
eternity with your loving heavenly Father.
You are safe. No matter what your circumstances, you’re ultimately
going to be fine.

“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those
who trust in him” (Nahum 1:7).

It’s one thing to know those truths, but another to trust them.
Talk about this: Which of those three truths do you find easiest to
trust…and which is hardest to trust? Why do you answer as you do?

2. What can you do to experience joy as you follow Jesus?
If you rely on favorable circumstances to keep you joyful, you’re in
trouble. No winning streak goes on forever, and when Jesus prompts you
to head into uncomfortable territory, your joy will evaporate as circum-

stances worsen.

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