Discuss Together
- How do you handle sudden changes in your schedule? Are you a “go with the flow” type of person, or does the unexpected stress you out?
- What stood out to you from Jeff’s sermon? Did you find anything interesting, confusing, or troubling about Job’s story in the Bible?
- Jeff noted how hard times often seem to come in waves. Have you noticed that in your life? If you are willing, share a time where this was true for you.
- Read Job 2:11-13. What do we see Job’s friends initially do? When someone is going through a tough situation, what have you learned about being a helpful presence?
- Kay Warren said, “The truest friends and ‘helpers’ are those who wait for the griever to emerge from the darkness that swallowed them alive without growing afraid, anxious or impatient. They don’t pressure their friend to be the old familiar person they’re used to; they’re willing to accept that things are different, embrace the now-scarred one they love, and are confident that their compassionate, non-demanding presence is the surest expression of God’s mercy to their suffering friend. They’re okay with messy and slow and few answers…and they never say, “Move on.”
- Who is someone who really helped you as you were going through a tough time? What did they do (or not do) that made a difference?
- What does it look like to choose faith in the middle of a really hard situation? What have you learned?
- Read Job 42:1-6. Job says, “I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes.” Why is traveling through hard times so connected to maturity and faith? Have you experienced this?
- Read Hebrews 4:14-16. What does it mean that we have a sympathetic High Priest? How is this helpful as we process pain today?
- Where is there pain and confusion in your life right now? How can others “sit with you” in the middle of a difficult situation?
Next Steps
We don’t have to face hard moments alone. It’s why we gather in groups. It’s also why we have a number of resources, including counselors, specialized care groups, and people ready to pray. To find more about what is available at Chase Oaks, go to chaseoaks.org/care.