SERIES: FAITH TO FINISH
Part 2: Fighting My Feelings
Luke 22:41-42
Definition of Feelings
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THREE UNCOMMON FACTS ABOUT FEELINGS
- Feelings Can Be Contagious
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- Physical Sensations Influence Feelings
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- Feelings Have a Short Lifespan
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THE BATTLE OF EMOTIONS AND FEELINGS
Luke 22:41-42 (NKJV) 41 And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.”
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1. JESUS’ HONEST FEELINGS IN GETHSEMANE
• Luke 22:41-42 41 And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.”
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2. OVERCOMING FEELINGS: JOSHUA’S COMMISSION AND COURAGE
• Joshua 1:1-5 (NKJV) 1 After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, it came to pass that the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying: 2 “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel. 3 Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses. 4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the River Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your territory. 5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you.
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• Joshua 1:1-6-9: Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
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Discussion Question
• What steps can we take to be strong and courageous like Joshua when faced with emotional challenges?
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3. FAITH OVER FEELINGS: DAVID’S CONFIDENCE IN GOD
• 1 Samuel 17:45-47 (NKJV) 45 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. 47 Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give you into our hands.”
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Discussion Question
• How can we develop a faith like David’s to face our own “giants”?
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YOU CAN FIGHT YOUR FEELINGS
• Common Daily Battles
o Fear
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o Anxiety
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o Inadequacy
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o Doubt
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o Anger
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o Guilt
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o Shame
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o Jealousy
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o Bitterness
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o Resentment
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o Loneliness
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o Despair
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o Hopelessness
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o Frustration
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o Envy
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o Regret
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o Insecurity
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o Unforgiveness
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o Sadness
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o Disappointment
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PRAYER TARGETS
1. Surrendering Your Feelings: Pray for the strength to surrender your feelings to God, trusting that His will is greater than your emotions. Ask for the courage to release control and allow God to guide your decisions, even when your feelings are strong and lead you away from His path.
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2. Aligning Feelings with God’s Will: Pray for a heart that aligns your emotions with God’s will. Ask God to help you fight against feelings that contradict His purpose for your life and to grant you the wisdom and strength to follow His guidance despite your emotional struggles.
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JOURNAL PROMPTS
1. Reflect on a Conflict: Write about a time when your feelings were in conflict with what you knew God wanted you to do. How did you fight through those emotions, and what did you learn about aligning your feelings with God’s will?
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2. Facing Emotional Struggles: Identify an area in your life where you struggle with your feelings versus God’s will. What practical steps can you take to fight against those emotions and trust in His plan? Write down a prayer asking for God’s help in overcoming these emotional battles.
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