SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON - FEBRUARY 14TH

When You Feel Overwhelmed

LESSON PASSAGES OUTLINE
1. Prepare by Trusting the Spirit (Mark 13:9-13)
2. Prepare by Staying with the Truth (Mark 13:21-23)
3. Prepare by Rejoicing (Mark 13:24-27)
4. Prepare by Remaining Faithful (Mark 13:32-37)

BIBLICAL TRUTH Christians can prepare themselves to endure through times that threaten to overwhelm them. - Commentary by Darryl Wood, Pastor of Vincent First Baptist Church in Vincent, Alabama.

 An exhausted woman confided to her pastor, “I don’t know how long I can keep up this pace.” Her spouse of over 50 years was battling an incurable illness in its terminal stages. For two years she had provided round-the-clock care for him. In recent weeks, however, his health had worsened. She faced some crucial decisions that she was in no physical or emotional condition to make.

 This woman found herself ill-prepared for experiences that threatened to overwhelm her. She grieved at the reality that she was going to lose the husband she loved. Until that dreaded day, however, she grappled with not knowing how she would handle the stresses of the daily changes his condition brought.

 No person receives exemptions from experiences that stress their emotions to the limit. Those events can take many forms. They may be expected or unexpected, joyful or disappointing, something that happens once or repeatedly.

 Some people coast through life with the attitude that they can handle anything that comes their way. Even those who think ahead, however, may find themselves at times feeling overwhelmed. This lesson will assist people in taking steps ahead of time to prepare for circumstances that otherwise might threaten to engulf them.

 What overwhelming situations have you faced in your life? What preparations can you make now to help you if similar circumstances arise again?