How to Tackle a Problem
Leader 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
Leader: This section is designed to get discussions started, examine God’s truth, and apply it to our week. Life Group leaders should not assume everyone in their group is a Christ follower. Because they are taking part in a Life Group, they must have some openness to knowing more, exploring. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work and let Him lead you as well.
1. How do you typically solve problems as they arise? What works or doesn’t work in your experience?
Leader’s Note: We can jump in without thinking, shoot back a “fix it” reply, be overwhelmed and ignore it, or we can talk to God about it.
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?
Leader’s Note: Nehemiah mourned, fasted, and prayed after hearing the news. Being still will help us hear from God in our prayer life. In fact, if we jump in too soon, we miss God’s direction. I have a sign on my desk to remind me: “Maybe praying will help.” Of COURSE, it will help! Specifically, listening will help. God will speak to us if we allow Him to humble us.
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?
Leader’s Note: It is easier for us to forget God when things are going well, and we feel in control. Then, when things get hard, we beg for God to hear our prayers. Nehemiah starts with repentance, asking forgiveness, asking for God’s mercy. In a conflict situation in our own lives, repent of anything you did wrong, even if it was only a small part of the problem. God has promised to hear, forgive, and restore when we repent.
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?
Leader’s Note: Nehemiah is a cupbearer in Babylon, and he is asking the king so he can return to Jerusalem to help rebuild the city walls. Although he was terrified, he also recognized this as a God-given opportunity. Even before he replied, he prayed again. He is not asking the king to do it; he is willing to step into the need. He also made further requests because he had a plan and had been praying for God’s direction and favor. He was joyful and put a plan together before coming to the king.
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?
Leader’s Note: The current officials had been taking advantage of the people and are opposed to the restoration project, which would give them protection and security. The Jews themselves are overwhelmed, for there is much rubble to be removed before they can even begin the rebuilding. They are tired of all the work and fearful that they will be attacked, or their city will be destroyed again. The officials were benefitting from the despair and weakness of the people. In the previous verses, Nehemiah 4:2, the officials start asking lots of questions. They sound offended, nervous, and unsure of what will come.
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?
Leader’s Note: Keep focused and keep working when you face opposition. Just because it gets hard doesn’t mean it’s not from God. Stop and pray about it and keep going. When all the people came together, they were united and felt like they could accomplish more. They praised the Lord. Being around a group of believers make us see the good God is doing and encourages us to walk more closely with the Lord.
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.
Leader’s Note: Wishing the best for others is admirable but it doesn’t do any real good. Your only definite responsibility is to pray and ask God what to do about this need. Some issues belong to someone else, but we must always care and do a little. In some situations, it will be our responsibility to lead the charge and make a difference. Like the passage states, caring for practical needs in Jesus’ name is better than good intentions.
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
Leader: This section is designed for further use in your Life Group or for personal study. These can also be used as discussion points and ways to stay connected with your group throughout the week. Encourage your group to take time daily to walk through these questions.
9. Read Daniel 5:1-6: What is the situation in Babylon? What desecration was taking place? How did the king respond? (LN: They have taken the holy vessels from the temple in Jerusalem and are now partying with them and toasting the pagan gods. The finger of God appears and writes a message that none of the wise men and magicians could decipher. The king is visibly, physically shaken.)
10. Read Daniel 5:7-9: What action did the king take to understand the situation? How effective was it? (LN: He called all the wise men in his kingdom, offering a huge reward, but they were not able to interpret the message.)
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? (LN: The queen suggested the king call Daniel and reminded the king that his father had trusted him and given him a high position. She lists his abilities in glowing terms and attributes his wisdom to “the gods.” His “excellent spirit” is an attribute we should all aspire to have!)
12. Read Daniel 5:13, 16-17: When Daniel is brought before the king, how does he respond? (LN: He refuses the reward, but he also agrees to help. He does not have false modesty. He says, “I will help and tell you the meaning.”)
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? (LN: Nebuchadnezzar had honored God, then become prideful and God removed him from the throne. He lost his mind. Now his son, Belshazzar, has become prideful and offended God, also. We deal with these same issues of forgetting God and thinking we are the main thing.)
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?