Transcending Difficult Situations (Ecclesiastes)
How are we as Christians expected to face life’s trials and challenges? This week, Rev. Jeremiah Cheung draws on the book of Ecclesiastes to show us how – with the correct mindset and true faith in God – we can transcend our circumstances, our limitations, and yes, even ourselves.
Scripture Passage
Ecclesiastes
Discussion Questions
1. How are you during this time of Covid-19? What is your takeaway from this message?
2. Your frame of mind must transcend the situation. How does mindset relate to a situation a person is facing?
Read Ecc. 1:12, 13, and 16; what was King Solomon’s situation? Read Ecc. 2:1, 4-8, and 9; Why was King Solomon not satisfied? How is his mindset different from his situation?
3. Your faith must transcend your limitations. What are the limitations King Solomon had?
– Helplessness (Ecc. 4:1, 4, 8)
– Ignorance (Ecc. 11:1-2, 5, 6; Deut. 29:29)
– Inability (Ecc. 5:12, 13, 6:2)
In what way do you also face these limitations? How can you overcome these limitations?
4. To trust God you must transcend yourself. What is the most valuable part of our faith? Why? Reflect: Are you willing to trust God with the darkest side of your life? How would you like to respond to it?
5. Ecc. 3:11 “He has made everything beautiful in its time”. How can this Truth be applied in your current situation?
Prayer Guide
Let us spend time in prayer, drawing near to our Lord, in the midst of the COVID-19 situation. Reflect on the verses below and commit our community, church, leaders, and nations to the Lord.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Pray for Our Community
1. Pray for those who are sick
2. Pray for those who are most vulnerable due to the crisis (health, economic, and so on)
3. Pray for those caring for the sick, in particular for the healthcare workers on the frontlines
4. Pray for the effective mitigation of the Covid-19 virus
5. Pray for discipline in observing preventive measures
6. Pray for peace and calm during the crisis
“And this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us.” 1 John 5:14
Pray for Our Church
1. Pray for our church leaders to make good and wise decisions in faith and love
2. Pray for the worldwide church to respond with the light and love of Jesus in this crisis
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2
Our Government
1. Pray for the government to implement a cohesive and effective plan
2. Pray for government officials to have wisdom, foresight, and skill
3. Pray for a smooth, safe, and stable community quarantine for the next 30 days
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear” Psalm 46:1-2a
Our World
1. Pray for other countries affected by the Covid-19 pandemic
2. Pray for economic and social stability around the world amidst the ongoing pandemic
“Pray without ceasing” 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray for any personal concerns.