Feeling doubt? God is not displeased with you.
1. If you could choose any where in the world to hike, where would you choose and who would you choose to hike with you?
2. Toby joked with Chase about not burning himself because he didn’t want it to be “pain you learn from”. He brings up an interesting point….what is one thing you have learned out of pain, a lesson that you will never forget but you learned it by living through a difficult experience?
3. Romans 8:28 reminds us that in all things God works for our good.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
But not all seasons seem like “good” seasons. What steps do you take to see the good in seasons that don’t necessarily seem good in the moment?
4. We learn from the life of Paul that in the middle of difficult seasons-we can feel God’s grace even though we may be struggling…
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
Have you lived through a season that as you look back-you are certain the only way that you were able to make it through was by God’s grace? Describe how God’s grace helped you in your weakness.
5. Paul lived expecting challenges. He was ok with it-because He saw God in it. Think about parenting, health, school, work, or marriage…describe a time when you were surprised that the situation you found yourself was not easy. How differently could that situation have seemed if you lived according to the example of Paul?
6. We often think that when we are up against a challenge, problem, or an injustice as being proof that God is far away from us. Paul saw it differently. He chose to believe that God is at work in all things. He saw every situation-every circumstance -every high and low filled with the presence of God. Because of this look on life, he was able to be incredibly resilient. It didn’t make his life easier-but allowed him to see life in a different light. What steps can you take this week to have a perspective like Paul?