Foreword

“Fight for It” is a call to action encouraging us to recognize the things in life that are truly worth our time, focus, energy and prayer. In other words, the things that are worth fighting for. Dr. Roger Patterson provides sound biblical teaching and innovative resources in this thought-provoking read. He has a way of igniting fresh understanding using simple illustrations to clarify deep spiritual truths. I know we will all be blessed by this teaching on how a “good fight” can strengthen marriages, heal homes, fortify the church, and even influence culture. —DR. ED YOUNG, Senior Pastor, Second Baptist Church, Houston

If you’re like me, you’ve gotten knocked down by life sometime during the last couple of years. That’s why I was so excited to see Roger Patterson’s work in Fight for It. He takes clear principles from one of my favorite books on rebuilding (Nehemiah) and applies them to today’s challenges. You’ve either been knocked down, or you will be. Either way, you need this book. -WILLIAM VANDERBLOEMEN, Founder and CEO Vanderbloemen

The books of Ezra and Nehemiah present one of the most unexpected comeback stories in history. They tell of the amazing impact of ordinary people, led by God, to dream the extraordinary. “Fight for It” skillfully weaves our everyday choices and challenges into the narrative and demonstrates how we too can be used by God to impact not only the lives of our family but the lives of our city. It pushes us to dream bigger. -DR. MARK HARTMAN, Lead Pastor, Sugar Creek Baptist Church

Leaders should expect struggle and learn how to power through. Knowing what fights lay ahead, and that some fights matter while others don’t, are critical junctures in the journey of every leader. This book will be a great resource for any who are seeking to use God’s word for counsel, discernment, and encouragement as they navigate the fights that truly are worth fighting. -DR. JOSH ELLIS, Executive Director UBA, Houston

WELCOME

As you look around our world today on the macro-level, things are a mess. Our nation’s healthcare system has been stretched to its limit. Our education system had to reinvent itself. The political landscape is deeply fractured. The country is divided right down the middle on which way we should head. On the micro-level, we have isolated from our neighbors. Our trust in leaders seems to be at an all-time low. We are tired, frazzled, at our limits. We wonder if things will ever return to normal.

Yet all these facts and feelings do not negate the reality that we have great potential as a people. Our story is not too dissimilar to what happened in the divided nations of Israel and Judah beginning in 605 B.C. Many were asking, “Where did we go wrong?” Others asked, “Is there a way forward?” In this context—where the temple of the Lord, the walls of the city of Jerusalem, the hearts of the residents of the land, were lying in ruin—this is where God was up to something. Before we dig into this story and learn about what God was up to, let me ask you some key questions to consider. In a sentence, can you clearly articulate: • For what are you fighting? • For whom are you fighting? • What do you believe is worthy of your fight? In this study, we will examine things that are worth fighting for. This includes fighting for yourself, your home, your church, and your city. We’ve got a lot of fighting to do. Let’s get ready for round one!

USING THIS WORKBOOK

Tools to Help You Have a Great Small Group Experience:

1. Notice in the Table of Contents there are three sections: (1)

Sessions; (2) Appendices; and (3) Small Group Leaders. Familiarize yourself with the Appendices. Some of them will be used in the sessions themselves.

2. If you are facilitating/leading or co-leading a small group, the section Small Group Leaders, will give you some experiences of others that will encourage you and help you avoid many common obstacles to effective small group leadership. 3. Use this workbook as a guide, not a straightjacket. If the group responds to the lesson in an unexpected but honest way, go with that. If you think of a better question than the next one in the lesson, ask it. Take to heart the insights included in the Frequently

Asked Questions pages and the Small Group Leaders section. 4. Enjoy your Small Group experience. 5. Pray before each session—for your group members, for your time together, and for wisdom and insights. 6. Read the outline for each session on the next pages so that you understand how the sessions will flow.