Discussion Guide
Many times, in life we face battles that seem unwinnable—whether it’s a health diagnosis, a strained relationship, addiction, finances, or any number of challenges. It’s easy to talk about the goodness of God when life is going well, but what about when the trials hit? This week we will talk about what it really means to trust God to fight our battles—especially the ones we cannot win on our own.
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. Share a time you tried to fix something that was way out of your league. (For example: plumbing, electrical, vehicle, assemble furniture) How did it turn out?
2. Read Exodus 14:10-14. Share a time you faced a battle that felt impossible to win. What do you notice about the Israelites fear and hopelessness in this moment? Why do you think our first instinct is to panic instead of trust when trials hit?
3. Read Matthew 10:16, John 10:14-15. Why are God’s people so often referred to as sheep in scripture? What does this tell us about our need for Him? What is the significance of us being sent out “like sheep among wolves”? How does that change the way we see our battles?
4. Read Exodus 14:13-14, Romans 5:3-5. Looking back, can you think of a time when you thought you were losing, but God was working behind the scenes? What are the four things God tells us to do in Exodus 14:13-14 and why are they so difficult in the middle of a battle? According to Romans, what does suffering produce in us? How does that change the way we see our battles?
5. Action Steps: This week take time to actively trust God with the battles in your life. Write down your “unwinnable” battles.
*Pray scripture over them: “Fear not, stand firm, See the salvation of the Lord. The Lord will fight for you: you need only to be silent. “(Exodus 14:13-14) Remind yourself daily, that the battle is not yours—it belongs to the Lord.
Deeper Dive: Read Daniel 1:8, 3:17-18. How do Daniel and his friends model standing firm when the battle seems impossible? What can we learn from their confidence, even when they didn’t know how God would save them?