Faith in Tough Times
Purpose for the session: To grow our faith in God in tough times.
Worship: Listen to the song throughout the week or at group “Hope has a Name!” by River Valley Worship. Spend time thanking God for the victory that He’s given you in this time and then ask God to increase your levels of faith in Him.
Check-In: Share what stood out to you as you reflected on the memory verse – John 16:33 in the past week.
Bible Reading: Read 2 Corinthians 11:24-27; 2 Corinthians 12:7-9; Isaiah 66:9 (NCV); Philippians 4:12 (NIV); 2 Timothy 4:7 (NLT)
Preparation and Discussion for Group Time:
- Pastor Chris mentioned 6 purposes of what tough times do in our lives:
1.1 They introduce us to ourselves. (1 Peter 1:7 MSG)
1.2 They motivate us to draw closer to God. (Psalm 27:3)
1.3 They teach us to prioritize. (Psalm 27:4)
1.4 They remind us that people matter more than possessions.
1.5 They help us to plan ahead for the future. (Proverbs 6:6-8)
1.6 They align us more to God’s will. (James 1:2-4)
What purpose have you seen as a result of what you personally have been through? - “In tough times, be a student not a victim”. Isaiah 66:9 (NCV) How could you position yourself to be more of learner?
- What is something you have experienced that has taught you contentment? (Philippians 4:12 NIV)
- Read 2 Timothy 4:7 (NLT). Paul says that he has “fought the good fight”. In what ways is our discipleship journey like a “good fight”? How have you ‘kept the faith’ on your discipleship journey?
Check out and Prayer time:
Read Isaiah 41:10 (NLT) aloud as an encouragement from God: “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
Take time to pray for one another.
Others: Think of practical ways you could encourage one another to “keep the faith in tough times”.
Share as a group how you can practically come alongside each other as you are praying for your 1-one-1 to come to faith.
Daily Practices to follow:
Memorize Isaiah 41:10 (NLT) Reflect on this verse and how God is encouraging you in this time. Pastor Chris reminded us that we shouldn’t “take permanent decisions based on temporary circumstances”. Surrender to God the things that you would want to make a permanent decision about based on temporary pain or circumstances.
Journal and talk to God about this, asking God for wisdom and discernment in these situations and times of high emotions.
Suggested YouVersion Devotionals on “Faith” in this season.