Part 2 – Trust God When You Suffer
Discussion Guide
Wisdom that comes from God is loving and just. But during suffering, it is better to seek God than understanding. It is more important to be in His presence than to discuss, dissect, and philosophize about pain. Whether you are in the middle of a situation, or you are the “friend” who should be supportive, make sure that you seek God, not the answer to “Why, God?”
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
1. In hindsight, are there some past trials and pains that make sense to you now? Are there some sorrows that you feel will not be made clear to you until you speak to Jesus in heaven?
2. Read Job 1:1-12. What type of man was Job? How are you certain of this from Scripture? How do you explain the “wager” that occurred next? To be clear about the background for the rest of Job’s story, read Job 1:13-22. How does this make you feel?
3. Read Job 10:1-3, 7-8, 13-16. After the disasters and Job having suffered in silence for over a week, what does He begin to do? Have you ever come to the point of challenging God? Wishing for death? If you are still in that place, ask your group to pray for you. If you are on the other side of that crisis of faith, share how God drew near to you. Read Job 10:18-19. Job repeatedly wants to know why God has afflicted Him. What is wrong with that question? What do you think of this point from the message: “Instead of seeking the ‘why,’ seek God.”
4. Read some of the “wisdom” of Job’s friends: Job 4:8 and 22:9-10. Does any of this sound “right” to you? Read Job’s response in Job 13:7. When God weighs in in Job 42:7, we understand where they went wrong. What should you not do as a friend in a crisis situation?
5. Rather than the theories put forth by Job’s friends, what are three of the causes of suffering in our world? (See the Deeper section for more verses and examples) Rather, what can we be sure of? Read Romans 8:28-29. Even Job, amid his suffering, recognizes this principle: read Job 23:10. What wonderful thing happened to Job in the middle of his suffering? Read Job 42:5-6.
6. Action Steps: If you are suffering (or when it comes...and it will), decide to pursue God: Double down on your personal quiet time with Him. Choose to draw near to your church family and be encouraged in the messages and in your Life Group. Don’t pull away. Choose to worship and sing praises: this is an act of faith and gratitude in the middle of your pain. Don’t just talk about prayer and your needs. Actually spend time praying, alone and with others.
Deeper
7. Discuss these verses on suffering. What are the causes of suffering in each? Is it found in the verse(s)? What is the benefit of the trial in each? Do you know from this passage? What can you learn and apply to your life, troubles, and attitudes?
a. Luke 13:1-5:
b. 1 Peter 5:10:
c. 2 Corinthians 12:7–10:
d. Job 13:15: