This week we are continuing with the second half of the ONE: Unity in Christ series as we turn our attention towards “How to Cope.” From the beginning of human existence people have suffered. Genesis 3 reveals that Adam and Eve sinned, so they were forced to leave the Garden of Eden. When their two sons grew old enough to work, Cain killed his brother Abel out of jealousy and anger. Hardships and heartache are part of our lives as human beings. Jesus said, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows” (John 16:33 NLT). Unfortunately, following Jesus doesn’t provide an immunity from pain, suffering, and loss here on earth. As we experience trials and sorrows, we must learn how to cope effectively. Learning to effectively cope is especially important during this season as we continue through the pandemic, working to eliminate systemic racism, being confronted by division within our nation and Methodist denomination, managing finances in an ongoing economic downturn, and enduring the pain of broken families along with the loss of loved ones.

 

Use the link below to read the CDC’s (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) list of Healthy Ways to Cope with Stress:

 

The CDC’s suggestions are applicable to anyone and everyone. But what about those of us who are people of faith? How should we cope allowing our faith in Christ to guide us through the troubles of life? In the small group study based on his book Anxious for Nothing, pastor and best-selling author, Max Lucado shares an acrostic inspired by Philippians 4:4-8 to help us learn to cope as people of faith and stay CALM:

Celebrate God’s Goodness

Ask for Help

Leave Your Concerns with God

Meditate on Good Things

 

If you’re interested in further study beyond the sermon and this Your Faith Journey devotional, consider reading Max Lucado’s book Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World or his book Fearless.

 

For a full version of this Your Faith Journey devotional download the Worship Guide from the Avon UMC website: www.AvonUMC.com

 

The Your Faith Journey Bible verses for this week are listed below:

 

Sunday (9/20)

Today I am going to offer God _____________________________.

 

During the worship service God revealed ______________________________________________________.

 

This week memorize Jesus’ words from John 16:33b (NIV):

 

“In this world you will have trouble.

But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

 

Monday (9/21)

Read Psalm 13 and Psalm 46 and use the words of the psalmists to help guide your prayer.

 

Tuesday (9/22)

Read Hebrews 12:1-12 and pray for God to reveal a word, phrase, or verse that is specifically for you for today.

 

Wednesday (9/23)

Read John 3:22-36 and prayerfully wrestle with the question below:

What does it mean to you for Jesus to become greater and greater and for you to become less and less?

 

Thursday (9/24)

Read Jude 1:22 and Luke 7:18-35 and pray for God to reveal a word, phrase or verse that is specifically for you for today.

 

Friday (9/25)

Read Romans 12:9-21 and prayerfully answer the questions below:

 

Who are your Christian friends helping you to continue to grow as a disciples of Christ?

 

How are you showing other believers that you are devoted to walking with them and helping to carry their burdens?

 

Saturday (9/26)

Read James 1:2-8, 12-18 and pray in response to the verses.

 

You are encouraged to watch the Woodlawn: ONE episode #5 before your next small group or class session this weekend or next week. If you are not part of a group or class, consider watching the episode with a family member or friend and then discussing it afterwards. For those who missed one of the previous video sessions or sermons, use the links below for the AUMC website to catch up on what you missed:

 

Woodlawn: ONE episode #5 – “Dealing with Disappointment”

 

Woodlawn: ONE episodes:

 

ONE: Unity in Christ sermons:

 

*To download the entire Worship Guide, which includes the extended version of the Your Faith Journey Guide, go to www.AvonUMC.com.