Ponder the Wonder
Digging Deeper
DIGGING DEEPER
In 2 Kings 6:15-17, Elisha had an opportunity to teach his servant about the wonder of God. When Elisha's servant got up early one morning, he found that a Syrian army with horses and chariots surrounded the city. The servant was afraid and frustrated, so he went to Elisha to share the dire situation.
The prophet Elisha prayed for God to open the eyes of the servant so that the servant could see the wonder of God. This happened after Elisha prayed for his servant: "So the Lord opened the eyes of the servant, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha."
Elisha could see the wonder of God, and therefore, Elisha didn't blunder, and he could share the wonder with his servant. Elisha's servant got to experience God's wonder as he saw the heavenly horses and chariots of fire of protection around Elisha.
As we enter the new year, may God open our eyes so that we can ponder the wonder of all God is doing around us.
WHAT NOT TO MISS
You'll ponder the wonder of Christmas when the infinite God exceeds what your finite mind conceives.
Blunder is the opposite of something that causes wonder.
Wonder Scale
-No Wonder (-2 to -1)
-What Just Happened (-1 to 0)
-Begin to Wonder (0 to 1)
-Ponder the Wonder (1 to 2)
Blunder
-Mistake
-Error
-Mishap
-Blooper
What happens when you, someone or something, falls short of what your finite mind conceives?
Every year, we face the decision to either thunder the blunder or ponder the wonder.
Wonder/Blunder Scale
-Thunder the Blunder (-4 to -3)
-Begin to Get Agitated (-3 to -2)
-Not Liking What Just Happened (-2 to -1)
-I'm Taking Back (-1 to 0)
-No Wonder (0 to 1)
-What Just Happened (1 to 2)
-Begin to Wonder (2 to 3)
-Ponder the Wonder (3 to 4)
To plunder the blunder, you will need to ponder the wonder.
Wonder/Blunder Scale Questions
Use these questions to close this year's chapter and open up the next year's chapter.
What might the Lord be doing?
What might the Lord be teaching me?
How might the Lord use me, use this?
What is the Lord asking from me?
At the end of Luke 1, Mary utters, "May it be unto me according to your word." Mary surrendered. As we enter the new year, we don't know what the new year will hold or what will come down the pipeline, but I surrender to you.
LIFE APPLICATION
Think about something falling short of your expectations during this holiday season. What was your reaction to this blunder? Use the following questions to reframe your response so that you move from blunder to wonder.
What might the Lord be doing?
What might the Lord be teaching me?
How might the Lord use me, use this?
What is the Lord asking from me?
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What situation did you face last week that was a blunder for you?
What does the Bible teach about dealing with difficult circumstances?
What does the Bible teach about dealing with difficult people?
How does God use these blundering circumstances to create wonder in your life?
Name some things you can ponder so that you will be ready to receive all the wonder God has planned for you this upcoming year.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL BIBLE PASSAGES
Day 1: Wonder of People: Psalm 29:11; Psalm 149:4; 1 Peter 2:9
Day 2: Wonder of Community: 2 Chronicles 7:14; Acts 2:46-47; Galatians 6:10
Day 3: Wonder of Ideas: John 8:12; Romans 8:27; Matthew 5:15-16
Day 4: Wonder of Spirituality: 1 Samuel 16:7; Titus 2:11-12; John 13:35
Day 5: Wonder of Life and Death: Ecclesiastes 3:12-14; Psalm 118:6; Revelation 21:3-4
PRAYER
Lord, I want to love and serve you well. Let my eyes be open so I can see all that you have planned for me, especially when difficult circumstances surround me; help me not to blunder. (2 Kings 6:15-17) Let me ponder the wonder of your magnificent love for me. I thank You for sending Jesus to be born in a manger to be the Savior and King of the world. I believe that Jesus died on the cross and rose on the third day to save me from my sins so that I can spend eternity with You. Let me share this good news with neighbors and nations urgently needing You.
