Ministering Out of Depletion
Sometimes we are tempted to feel that our contribution to God’s kingdom is insignificant, especially when we are feeling depleted. Yet in the storyline of all of history, it could be that, when any of us goes forth to minister in the simplest way to another person, it may change the course of the world.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing about this message that you found particularly compelling, encouraging, challenging, or beneficial?
- Would you say you are currently in a “season of depletion”? Why or why not?
- Read and discuss Genesis 37:12-17, Ruth 2:1-13, 2 Corinthians 11:22-28 and Mark 12:41-44. What themes do you note here? How do these passages demonstrate ministry out of depletion? How did God use “insignificant” interactions to accomplish something greater? What other examples in scripture can you think of?
- What seemingly insignificant actions have others done that made a big impact in your life?
- “Ministering out of depletion fills two tanks — yours, and the person’s you minister to.” How have you observed or experienced this?
- Whom in your life can you minister to in simple ways, even if you are in a season of depletion?