Discussion Questions
You Asked For It - Part 2
When life throws an unexpected tragedy at you, how do you respond, and what steps can you take to find healing?
Our point this week is: Healing comes from revelation, not explanation.
Pastor James demonstrated four instances where people encountered overwhelming loss; the revelations God unveiled to them are the same revelations He unveils to us.
God’s compassion is your comfort.
1. Read Lamentations 3:17–20 (The Message) "I gave up on life altogether. I’ve forgotten what the good life is like. I said to myself, “This is it. I’m finished. God is a lost cause.” I’ll never forget the trouble, the utter lostness, the taste of ashes, the poison I’ve swallowed…the feeling of hitting the bottom." Can you share a time when you hit rock bottom? What was your mindset at the time?
2. Read Lamentations 3:21–23 (NLT) "Yet I still dare to hope…The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness his mercies begin afresh each morning." What is the true foundation of our hope? How can we help others find comfort when they are in the midst of a difficult time?
4. Read Jeremiah 33:3. What is God saying here? How can we find hope in this verse?
5. Read Psalm 34:18. This is a promise from God. His promises are a foundation we can always stand on. How has it shaped you in hard times knowing that God is close to you and loves you?
God’s faithfulness is your promise.
6. Read Genesis 50:20. This is the end of Joseph’s story. Can you recall events from Joseph’s story where God showed his faithfulness?
7. Read Numbers 23:19, Psalm 145:13, Psalm 100:5, and 1 Thessalonians 5:24. What do these verses say about God’s faithfulness?
8. Psalm 34:8 (NIV) - "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him." “Taste and see” indicates that our relationship with God is experiential. We need to act on our faith and take refuge in Him. What are some practical steps we can take to find refuge in God?
God’s wisdom is working for you.
9. Read Habakkuk 1:2-5. Even if God told you what He had planned, you wouldn’t understand. Can you share a time when you did not understand how God was moving in your life, but you understand it now? How do you think you might have responded at the time if God told you His plan?
10. Read Habakkuk 2:3–4. What do you remember about James’ sermon where he said this time in Hanakkuk’s life was laying the foundation for Paul to spread the Gospel message 700 years later? How can we find hope in this?
11. Read Romans 8:28. "We KNOW that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." If it’s not good, God is not done yet. How does our relationship with Him and our obedience to His will play a role in understanding and experiencing the fulfillment of Romans 8:28?
God’s power is your provision.
12. Read Isaiah 40:25-31. If God is powerful to provide for and care for all of creation, he has the power to provide for you and care for you. Who does God give strength? Why is that important to us?
13. Read Isaiah 41:10 and 46:4. "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." "Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you, and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” What is God promising us here? How can we find comfort in that?