Virtuous Woman - Serving & TeamworkNäide

Perseverance

Character Goal: To encourage women to persevere by trusting in the character of God.

Biblical Character: The Canaanite Woman and Persistent Widow

Scripture Readings: Matthew 15:21–28; Luke 18:1–8

Discussion Questions:

• Who came crying out to Jesus after He entered the city? Why?
• What do you think she heard and believed about Jesus that caused her to come crying to Him?
• How does Jesus initially respond to her request? What do the disciples urge Jesus to do to her?
• For whom does Jesus tell her that He was sent?
• Was she deterred by this answer? What did she continue to do and why?
• As a female athlete, what circumstances have you encountered that have caused you to persevere? What was the result of your perseverance?
• How does the Canaanite woman’s faith in Jesus determine how she acted toward Jesus?
• After asking Jesus the second time to help her, how does He respond? Knowing the loving character of Jesus, why do you think He continued to deter her request for help?
• Did Jesus’s response discourage the woman from seeking what she wanted from Him?
• What does Jesus finally do? What does He commend her for?
• What does the Canaanite woman teach us about faith and perseverance?
• As a woman and female athlete, how can you persevere in your faith and sport?

Read Luke 18:1-8.

• For what reason do the Scriptures say Jesus taught them the parable? What character trait did Jesus want them to possess?
• What do we know about the judge? The widow?
• What did the widow do in order that she could get justice from her adversary?
• How did the judge respond to her pleas? How did she respond to his refusal?
• Because of her perseverance and persistence, what did the judge finally do?
• Is there something you have been crying out to God about for a long time? What does this parable teach that you should do?
• What does this story teach you about God? Women? How can you apply these truths to your life?

Training for Godliness

When things are harder than we expect or more difficult that we anticipate, it is hard to not want to give up. In the arena of sports, athletes train all year long in order to accomplish a goal during their season. The off-season training is difficult and offers little reward. The real reward comes during the regular season when the athletes are stronger, faster and fiercer competitors. This is true in life as well. What are some healthy physical habits you practice on a regular basis that help you be at your best? What are some healthy spiritual habits you currently have or you want to have in order to know and walk with God? How can you meet your goals?

• What is one thing I learned from this story that I can apply to my life before the next lesson?

Core Truths:

• Jesus is approachable and desires for us to persevere in our faith toward Him.
• What we believe about Jesus will determine whether we persevere through difficult circumstances.
• Without Jesus there is no healing, reconciliation, or hope.

Memory Verse: “She sees that her profits are good, and her lamp never goes out at night." -Proverbs 31:18