Big Idea: It takes less sweat to prevent a mess than to clean it up later.

Genesis 21:8-21

1. Trust Jesus for your protection.

Genesis 21: 22-24

At that time Abimelech, accompanied by Phicol the commander of his army, said to Abraham, “God is with you in everything you do. Swear to me by God here and now, that you will not break an agreement with me or with my children and descendants. As I have been loyal to you, so you will be loyal to me and to the country where you are a resident alien.” And Abraham said, “I swear it.”

2. Trust Jesus for your prosperity.

Genesis 21: 25-31

But Abraham complained to Abimelech because of the well that Abimelech’s servants had seized. Abimelech replied, “I don’t know who did this thing. You didn’t report anything to me, so I hadn’t heard about it until today.” Abraham took flocks and herds and gave them to Abimelech, and the two of them made a covenant. Abraham separated seven ewe lambs from the flock. And Abimelech said to Abraham, “Why have you separated these seven ewe lambs?” He replied, “You are to accept the seven ewe lambs from me so that this act will serve as my witness that I dug this well.” Therefore that place was called Beer-sheba because it was there that the two of them swore an oath.

3. Trust Jesus for your peace.

Genesis 21: 32-33

After they had made a covenant at Beer-sheba, Abimelech and Phicol, the commander of his army, left and returned to the land of the Philistines. Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beer-sheba, and there he called on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God. And Abraham lived as an alien in the land of the Philistines for many days.

Next Steps:

Believe:  I need Jesus to give me peace today.
Become: I will live with God’s peace this week.
Be sent: I will explain God’s peace to someone this week.


Discussion Questions:

If God didn’t create worry, hurry, or sorry- where did they come from?
When have you experienced the greatest sense of peace?
Do you worry more about immediate challenges or fear of the unknown?
What makes it difficult to trust God with your finances?
Is there an area in your life where you struggle to trust God?
Who do you know who is struggling to trust God?
Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you bring God’s peace this week.