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 the middle of a struggle, what is your typical attitude: "I've got this!" "Why does this always happen to me?" "God has a plan for this trial." "We’ll get through it." Or something else?
2. Read Jeremiah 1:4-8. What part of this passage is true for all people? What part is specific to Jeremiah? What do you perceive is particularly important for you and your individual purpose? Do you have any other "life verses" that speak to you?
3. Read Romans 8:28. Discuss this verse and promise. Have you ever experienced God working things to your good? What about the qualifier at the end: "for those who are called according to his purpose"? Was God "working things to good" for Louie, even before he was a believer?
4. Read John 15:12-13. "Talk is cheap," but this verse is a quote from Jesus. Why is that important? Would this ever be required of you, literally? List ways you could also "lay down" your life figuratively for others. As examples, consider: a boss or coworker, a spouse, a parent or child, an enemy.
5. Read James 2:15-17. It is sometimes hard to know how to serve, share, and act out our faith. What simple ways do you find in this verse? Does this come easily for you? What about the harsh statement in verse 17? Discuss ways you can serve others through Cove Outreach.
Deeper
6. Read Acts 7:54-8:3. This is the first time we meet Saul in the New Testament, right after Stephen preaches to the high priest and council. What was Saul’s life purpose at that time? How would you describe Saul’s passion for his mission? Have you ever been (or known someone) passionately pursuing a path you later realized was incorrect? Read Acts 26:9-11, Galatians 1:13, and 1 Timothy 1:13, 15. Was Paul's ignorance enough justification? Or is 1 Timothy 1:15 the more important verse?
7. Read Philippians 3:4-7 for Saul’s background in Judaism and the Law. (Note that these are recorded by Paul after his conversion, and he is not actually boasting.) How can our experiences, our preparation, and / or our accomplishments support our calling? Can they ever be an obstacle to us fulfilling God’s plan for our lives?
8. Read Acts 9:1-22. Saul’s conversion (and name change to “Paul”) is recorded in detail here. Paul himself shares his testimony and it is recorded two more times in Scripture: once to the Jews (Acts 22:6-16) and once when defending himself before King Agrippa (Acts 26:12-18). Why do you think the stories vary just a bit?
9. As a missionary to the nations, Paul traveled throughout the Middle East and suffered greatly. Read 2 Corinthians 11:24-28 for a partial list of all that Paul endured. How does this compare to your life and experience as a Christian? How does it compare to what Louis Zamperini (Unbroken) went through as a child, as an airman, and as a prisoner of war?