Whom do you reach for in times of trouble? What does your search for answers reveal about your faith in God?
Why were the people nervous about Elijah’s departure? What do we tend to do during times of transition and unknown futures? What does this passage teach us?
Have you seen God at work in the present or past? Why might remembering these things help you trust Him when life gets tough?
Why does it matter that we honor our God as the only true God? How does this belief increase our motivation to reach the lost?
God is working through you as you serve people. In what ways do you try to communicate the truth about God? Is it clear to those around you that God is the One who empowers you and does so freely?
Do you need encouragement because you are surrounded by enemies? Have you forgotten that God is with you? Ask Him to open your eyes so you can see reality. There are more with you than with them!
Are you misinterpreting the circumstances of your life? Have you concluded that the Lord cannot deliver you from the trial you are enduring? Consider that He has brought this to you to get your attention. His power is not diminished, and He is able to deliver you.
Why did God allow Hazael to rise to power? How does knowing that God is powerful over all shape the way you view our nation and the world?
Are you ever guilty of misinterpreting reality? Have you decided that God cannot change your situation? Do the events described in 2 Kings 9 challenge that view?
What religious practices are you holding on to that may not be God- honoring? You may have done them for a long time, they may even be part of your cultural heritage, but are they hurting you spiritually?
What single courageous act has God put in front of you to perform? Are you facing a risk for the sake of God’s plan? Perhaps it means letting something go? Perhaps it means giving up something?
How about you? Have you thought carefully about how you’ll remain faithful to God for your whole life? Have you started well? Fantastic! Consider how to finish well too!
Why do loving parents discipline their child? Why does God discipline His children? What else do we learn about God’s discipline and mercy in 2 Kings 13?
What was Amaziah’s mistake? Why did the Lord choose to humble him in this way?
Why did God lighten the load of judgment on His people even though they had disobeyed? What does this reveal about God’s character?
Has success in one area of your life gone to your head? Are you presuming in other areas based on that success? Ask God to remind you that the victories should keep you humble.
Why did Ahaz refuse the help of the Lord? Have you turned to other means to save yourself during a time of need? What does this say about your heart?
How does God warn us today? Are you ignoring the warnings of the Holy Spirit? Ask God to give you spiritual ears to hear and understand where He is turning you back to Him.
What are you worshiping alongside God? Have you considered that there could be long-term consequences for sharing the worship of the true God with something else?
What were Hezekiah’s false assumptions? Do you assume that if you’ve done something good for the Lord, He owes you peace, safety, and prosperity?
Have you experienced something that caused you to question what God was doing? How does Hezekiah’s story help answer those doubts?
Are you faced with a crisis of epic proportions? Have you forgotten that the Lord can deliver you in a moment? Ask Him for help! He can cause your enemies to withdraw suddenly.
Has your trust become misplaced? When people ask how you have succeeded, do you show them your “kingdom” or point them to the One who has given you victory?
Do you ever wonder if God is powerless to deal with wickedness? Do you ask yourself how long will evil people prosper in this world? Remember, while God’s timing may not be the same as ours, His justice will be done!
Are you sensing God’s judgment in your life? Is there anything you need to repent of? Consider the example of Josiah and turn to the God who has committed Himself to you.
Are you finding it hard to stick to your commitment to repentance? Have you removed influences that draw you away? What people, places, or practices might you need to evaluate?
How can this hope affect our expectations for leadership today? When leaders fail you, does your hope in the Lord provide a strong foundation for peace in your heart?
What’s your attitude toward God’s discipline in your life? Do you believe He brings it for your good?
Do you feel at times that God is done with you? Have you lost hope that He will use you because of your past? Remember, if you are in Christ, your future can have meaning!
Where have you put your hope for righteous leadership? Come, Lord Jesus (Rev. 22:20)! We invite you to share your reflections on this study in our Today in the Word Facebook discussion group.