As we kick off our brand new series, Shaken, by Tim Tebow, we get some new insights on a long discussed topic, our identity. It is something that we all face and cannot shake, because, it is who we are. Whether we like it or not, we are defined by the world in so many ways.
Who are you? What defines you? Friend, Hard Worker, Husband, Dad, Son, Your occupation?
In this session we will begin with Right Now Media presentation by Tim Tebow for some starter points…
Shaken – Session 1
https://app.rightnowmedia.org/en/player/video/204649?session=219877
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do. – Ephesians 2:10 CSB
In the clip, Tim explained that the God wrote your story before you were even born. Have you ever struggled with that thought?
Have you had times when you identified yourself by your accomplishments or failures?
Tim explained that “How we feel does not define us”. What is your thoughts about that statement? How do those thoughts line up with how you have been defined?
Another great illustration was the feeding of the 5000, in John chapter 6.
5 Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” 6 He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. 7 Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii[a] worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.” 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, 9 “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?” 10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. 11 Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.” – John 6:5-12 ESV
In this famous scripture it is easy to overlook the reality that the disciples had to face. They could have been frustrated, even mad, and believe there was no way they had enough to feed the crowd. They may have even brainstormed together trying to figure where they could get more money or more food; truly relying on their own abilities. When the true answer to their problem was right in front of them.
“Jesus is not asking for what you don’t have. He is asking for all that you do have.”
Can you relate to a time when God put you in a position where he wanted you to do something but you could not do it on your own?
Some take such challenges and own them to a point where they want to prove to God and others that they can pull off the miracle. Can you relate to those moments in life?
Do you live and depend on Jesus to contribute in your life or do you always have to provide everything? Do you tend to attempt to prove your worthy to be depended on? Is there any root to your behavior(s)?
For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:13 NLT
Has there been a time when God used something you provided that you did not think that it was that big of a thing, but God got involved and impacted His Kingdom?
In the clip, Tim explained how 3 years after the national championship he was surprised how God was still using him in ways that he was not aware. He had thought that God was done with the John 3:16 verse, but millions of people still searched the internet that night, despite Tim’s focus moving on.
Are there things God is still using in your life or your past that you thought was done? Or you tend to avoid or try to forget?
This week, don’t be discouraged in the trials that come your way. Don’t be disappointed when you don’t have everything together and might even feel frustrated. Remember there is a bigger story being unfolded by a bigger God.
For quite times this week, reflect back on many of the challenges you have faced and how God used you and those situations in ways you were not aware.