Things Don’t Always Have to be This Way
1. During worship we sang “Hope in the Hurting”. Romans 8:28 tells us that ALL things (that includes are times of
pain and struggles) work together for our good. The truth is that is not always easy to believe.
a. What has it taken for you to receive and understand this truth?
b. How do you remind yourself of this truth when in the middle of turmoil?
2. God is a loving Father and a God of transformation. He loves us too much to leave us a mess. We are not defined
by the past. From Genesis to Revelation, scripture is a story of transformation, change and “It doesn’t have to be the
way it’s always been.”
a. What does that statement (“It doesn’t have to be the way it’s always been”) say to you?
b. Can you share how has God transformed your life, your family, or your marriage?
3. Everyone is here for a reason……you want a better marriage, better relationships, a healthier family, a deeper walk
with God.
a. What transformation are you looking for in your life?
b. To step into something new you must step away from the old (Genesis 12:1-4a). You must make different
daily decisions. Even if it’s uncomfortable. Is there something God is prompting you to do differently? To
step toward?
4. There is a lot of scripture about God comforting us in our troubles, a lot of scripture about us comforting one
another in troubles, but you will never find scripture that gives you permission to comfort yourself!
a. Why is that?
b. What can we do differently to press into God to find and receive comfort, to find Hope in the Hurting
(Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, always there to help in times of trouble.)
5. Ask God to give you a picture of a healthier life, an amazing marriage, a deep relationship with Him, a life of
purpose, passion and fulfillment. Start dreaming…..“It doesn’t have to be the way it’s always been.”
a. Take the time to write out those dreams
“The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled.” Genesis 6:5-6
“The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.’” Genesis 12:1-3
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16