Key passage: Luke 12:12-16
Our struggle and pain can lead us into a deeper relationship with God.
REVIEW: One day, all of our pain will be taken away.
- READ: Revelation 21:4 “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
- DISCUSS: How does the promise of heaven give you hope now?
- DISCUSS: What do you look forward to the most in heaven?
REVIEW: In this life, God sometimes works through our pain to produce something good.
- READ: 1 Peter 1:6-7 “So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.”
- DISCUSS: What is one thing you have asked to be healed or brought out of, but are still left waiting? What is God teaching you through your perseverance?
REVIEW: Lament helps us to develop hope and dependence on God in the midst of challenging circumstances.
- READ: Psalm 142:1-2 “I cry out to the Lord; I plead for the Lord’s mercy. I pour out my complaints before him and tell him all my troubles.”
- DISCUSS: Do you struggle with being honest toward God?
- DISCUSS: What do you think is the difference between lament and simply complaining?
ASK:
What else did you get from this week's sermon? What actions or next steps can you take to apply it to your life?
PRAY:
For a closeness with God to develop, so that we can be honest in our lament and struggle while holding fast to our hope in Jesus.