Servants: Double Vision

(5–8 minutes, easy setup)
Using the Internet, find and print copies of several optical illusions. Number each printed sheet. Provide slips of paper and pens.

Divide learners into groups of two to three and give each group paper and a pen. Distribute one of the optical illusions to each group. Encourage groups to record the illusion’s number and a brief description of the illusion on the paper provided. Lead groups to circulate the optical illusions until each group has seen each one. After several minutes, review lists to see if everyone saw the same thing in the illusions. Ask: What is the key to identifying the different scenes correctly in each optical illusion? (Changing your focus so that you can see all images.)

Remind learners that Abraham, as well as Isaac and Jacob, cultivated the ability to exchange their earthly focus for a heavenly focus. Explain that this ability allowed them to remain faithful to God because they knew their earthly circumstances were only temporary and would be replaced with eternal heavenly conditions. Lead learners to discuss:

• What expectations do new believers often have about how their lives will change when they answer God’s call?
• Why does answering God’s call not exempt believers from facing challenges in this world?
• How does maintaining a heavenly focus help believers face earthly challenges?

Allow volunteers to share how changing their focus has helped them cope with specific challenges they have faced in the past. Encourage learners to remember that being “set apart” for God does not make them immune to life’s challenges; however, being “set apart” for God does give them the ability to face those challenges by focusing on Him and His purposes for those challenges.