When we “miss the shot” sometimes it means that we lose the game, series, or championship. This can be hard to process with all of the pressure and emotions that go with the highs and lows of a game and then sudden ending.
While we cannot go back and retake the missed shot, we can learn from the experience and take that life lesson with us.
In life, outside of sports, it can feel the same way. Sometimes we make mistakes, and it seems as if there is no way we can recover. We may no longer see ourselves as worthy of acceptance or qualified to fulfill the purpose we once had such a passion for in life.
In today’s conversation, we discuss how even though we often miss the shot (or the mark) in life it doesn’t mean game over. God still loves us and accepts us with open arms.
What Are You Thankful For?
Take a minute to reflect on your week and share what you are thankful for.
Were you able to apply last’s weeks playbook to your life?
If you had a previous meeting and challenged yourself to grow by adding what you learned to your weekly playbook, share your success. If not, then commit to accomplishing the challenge this week.
Read the Passage(s) (State it in your own words)
Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.
“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. Luke 15:11-22
What does this story tell me about people?
Take a minute to reflect on the passage and share what it tells us about human nature.
What does this story tell me about God?
Take a minute to reflect on the passage and share what it tells us about God’s nature.
If this is really true, how can I add it to my personal playbook for the game of life?
Based on what we learned about God’s nature, how can we respond to Him? For instance, if the passage was about the need to pray more you could challenge yourself by stating “I will pray 10 minutes a day” for 3 days a week. The goal is to challenge yourself with something you actually think you can accomplish.
Who can I share this with?
Based on what we learned think of someone who can benefit from hearing the same message, then commit to sharing it with them in the upcoming week.
How can I pray for you?
If you are facing a challenge in life, this is a great time to share your struggle. Those around you can pray for you or may have a way they can help you overcome the challenge or walk through a difficult time.
