Finding God in Suffering

Notes:

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Take some time to discuss what you want to do to celebrate the end of Small Groups the week of May 15. No Small Group discussion questions will be provided that week.

What Do You Think? 

What struck a chord with you from Sunday’s service?

The Story of Your Life

1. On Sunday, Guest Pastor Chris Hilken vulnerably processed from his own journey of finding God in the midst of his doubts. What experiences/questions have you been through that have raised similar questions?
2. On the positive side, what experiences, spiritual truths, or Bible verses help redirect you when you find yourself in this kind of place?

Digging Deeper in God’s Word

1. Pastor Chris shared the story of Jesus and Thomas on Sunday. Let’s re-read it together and dive a little deeper in light of his talk. Read John 20:24-29 and answer the following prompts.
   1. Have a few members of the group recap the main points.
   2. What does this story tell us about God? People? Doubts?
   3. How do you think you would have felt/responded if you were in Thomas’ shoes?
2. Another passage where we clearly see the intersection of faith in the midst of doubt is Mark 9:14-29. Read it together and answer the following prompts.
   1. Have a few members of the group recap the main points.
   2. What does this story tell us about God? People?
   3. How might this story serve as a guide for us when we struggle with doubts? What tangible things might we do to redirect ourselves in that place?
3. The following verses all offer different insights into how to process faith and doubt. Read them and share an insight that speaks to you.
   1. Proverbs 3:5-6.
   2. Matthew 28:16-17.
   3. 2 Corinthians 5:7.
   4. Hebrews 11:1-2.
   5. James 1:2-8.
   6. Jude 22.
   7. 2 Timothy 1:7.

Personal Reflection and Application

1) Have everyone share one thing someone else said that stood out to you from today’s discussion.2) Pray for one another.