How to Tackle a Problem
DIscussion Guide
Life can be hard. But God has put you in the exact perfect spot to see a need and tackle it. When opposition comes, He can guide you through it so that you not only survive but thrive! We can learn to deal with setbacks, ridicule, and opposition in a biblical manner as we look at Nehemiah’s example.
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. How do you typically solve problems as they arise? What works or doesn’t work in your experience?
2. Intense focus on what God says. Read Nehemiah 1:3-4. What three things did Nehemiah do after he heard the terrible news about Jerusalem? Have you ever fasted? What did you notice? Is it easy or hard for you to “be still” and seek God? Did Nehemiah feel personal responsibility for the problems?
3. Read Nehemiah 1:6-7. When Nehemiah starts speaking to God after a time of waiting, what does he bring up? How does repentance change a situation or conflict? Why should God listen to Nehemiah if the Jewish people have ignored Him up to this point? How does 2 Chronicles 7:14 give you hope in a situation like this? In what ways do we act like the Jewish people?
4. Prepare a plan. Read Nehemiah 2:1-7. What is Nehemiah doing when this passage opens? How did Nehemiah step into an opportunity with the king? Are you surprised that the king asks how he can help? What requests does Nehemiah make?
5. Read Nehemiah 2:10 and 4:10-11. What were the ruling officials’ reactions when Nehemiah came to help the remaining Jews living and returning to Jerusalem? What emotions are the Hebrew people feeling? How is it especially difficult to deal with criticism from both within and without? How did Nehemiah deal with the ridicule and opposition?
6. Keep focused and keep working. Read Nehemiah 4:14-15. What calmed the people’s fear? What followed the people coming together? What can we learn from being around a group of believers?
7. Action Step: Read James 2:15-16. What is definitely your responsibility if you see a need? Are you responsible for every need you come across? What must you not do? Is there a need bubbling up in your mind and heart right now? Maybe your next step is to try fasting. Ask God about this and share with someone who can prayerfully support you.
8. Pray: Lord, please show me my responsibility in the issues and suffering I see around me. Give me Your heart. Help me to wait on You for direction. Lord, I pray You open the doors of opportunity. I want to be ready and prepared to walk through them and tackle the situations You want me to champion and the opposition You want me to overcome. In Your Name I pray. Amen.
Deeper
9. Read Daniel 5:1-6: What is the situation in Babylon? What desecration was taking place? How did the king respond?
10. Read Daniel 5:7-9: What action did the king take to understand the situation? How effective was it?
11. Read Daniel 5:10-12: Where did wisdom and insight first come from in this situation? Why did the queen suggest Daniel be called? How did she phrase the suggestion in a way that was attractive to the king?
12. Read Daniel 5:13, 16-17: When Daniel is brought before the king, how does he respond?
13. Read Daniel 5:18-20, 22-23: Why does Daniel start with the history of the king’s father? How does he condemn the current king? Are these issues you deal with?
14. Read Daniel 5:25-30: Does the interpretation and conclusion of the interaction seem intense? Does Daniel seem brave to deliver such a message? Does the fact that the king rewarded Daniel, even for an adverse message, surprise you? How can you honor God, no matter how scary the situation?