God’s Blueprint for Entrepreneurial Success STUDY 3: Homework
Introduction:
Our journey today takes us through the powerful story of the widow in 2 Kings 4. This narrative beautifully juxtaposes God's miraculous power with our responsibility to take proactive steps. We will explore how God often asks us to do our 'homework' before releasing His blessings, the importance of private dedication for public manifestation, and the vital role our homes play in our spiritual and entrepreneurial journeys.
Read Scripture:
2 Kings 4:4-6 (NKJV)
Proposition One: Do Your Homework
God instructed the widow to gather vessels, symbolizing our need to prepare and plan. While God is the source of the miracle, our discipline, planning, and preparation often serve as the conduit.
Discussion Questions:
Why do you think God asked the widow to gather vessels instead of just multiplying the oil directly?
How does Luke 14:28 emphasize the importance of planning and counting the cost?
Can you recall a time when you felt the Spirit leading you to prepare or plan for something, and what was the outcome?
Proposition Two: The Power of Privacy
God’s instruction for the widow to shut the door before pouring the oil underscores the significance of private dedication. It's in our private moments with God that public miracles are birthed.
Discussion Questions:
Why do you think the miracle took place in private? What is the significance of "shutting the door"?
How does Matthew 6:6 align with the importance of seeking God in private?
Reflect on your personal 'private' moments with God. How have they impacted your public life and endeavors?
Proposition Three: The Home as the Starting Point
The home was where the miracle took place for the widow. It’s often in the intimate confines of our homes that true transformation and miracles begin.
Discussion Questions:
What significance does the home hold in your spiritual journey?
How do Acts 1:4-5 and the widow’s story emphasize waiting and preparing at home before experiencing God’s outpouring?
Reflect on a moment when you witnessed God's power move in your home or personal space. How did it shape your perspective?
Action Steps:
Identify an area in your life or a project where you can "do your homework" this week.
Dedicate some private time daily, 'shutting the door' to distractions, to seek God's guidance.
Reflect on the role of your home in your spiritual journey. Consider ways to make it a place of prayer, study, and connection with God.
Prayer Points:
Pray for guidance on areas where you need to prepare, plan, or 'do your homework'.
Pray for the grace to prioritize private moments with God, expecting public manifestations of His blessings.
Pray for your home to become a place of divine encounters, miracles, and growth.
Close:
As we journey through life, both as believers and potential entrepreneurs, let's take a lesson from the widow. May we always be prepared, value our private time with God, and recognize the sanctity of our homes as places of divine encounters. In our diligence, God will meet us, transforming our little into abundance. Amen.