Key Scripture
Discussion Questions
Don’t be afraid to add to this list, skip questions that don’t work for your group, or branch off with additional questions as discussion unfolds. Conversation is key! This is the time to work through the application of scripture and have group members figure things out together.
- Have you ever directed a question at God or spoken it rhetorically without truly seeking God’s answer to that question? Why do we try so hard to solve our problems on our own without genuinely consulting God?
- Have you ever wondered, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” Have you ever viewed this question as an accusation and an affront against the very character of God? Taking a deeper look at this, discuss with your group how asking this actually attacks God’s immutable character.
- When pain comes into your life, do you seek to find a source of whose fault it is or what you did wrong to deserve it? Do you do everything in your power to quickly and easily find a way out of the hurt? Read James 1:2–4. How does a supernatural, biblical reaction to our trials differ from a typical human reaction?
- When we focus on things that are wrong, we lose sight of the things that are right. Read Colossians 3:1–3. How does this passage help us not to escape our trials necessarily but to go through it in the way He desires?
- In John 9:1–3, Jesus ended up healing the blind man and restoring his sight. But we know that our “sight” isn’t always restored when we ask God for help… sometimes the miracle just doesn’t happen. Why do you think healing and miracles were such a large part of Jesus’ ministry while He was here on earth but just doesn’t seem to happen as often or as overtly today?
- Read 2 Corinthians 12:7–10. Many people have wondered what the exact thorn was that Paul possessed. Why do you think the Bible purposefully excludes specifying Paul’s particular ailment? How can we take courage from the fact that God didn’t provide earthly healing for one of the most faithful servants of all time? How did the Lord’s words in verse nine minister to Paul, and how do those same words impact you?
- Read Romans 8:28. Reflect on this truth and how it can be applied to your specific concerns. Can you think of a time when you didn’t understand what God was doing in a situation, but you understood later? Share with your life group.
- God doesn’t promise to always remove the trials in our lives. Instead, he desires to be displayed in our lives so that others can see Christ in us. How does this line up with what we read in Isaiah 40:31 and Proverbs 3:5–6? Would those around you say your response to trials puts God on display and magnifies His sovereignty or that your own problems are magnified? What would need to change in order for you to be fully submitted to what God is doing in your life?
Accountability
- Where are you reading in the Bible this week? What has God been revealing to you through your quiet time with Him?
- Discuss any struggles you may be going through with your group.
- How can you pray for your group this week? How can they be praying for you?