Fear and Faith / week 4

Watch session 4 video at RightNow Media and answer the following questions

Job 3:20-26. How does Job describe the injustice of his suffering? How would you describe the injustice of something you or someone you know suffers?

2 Corinthians 1:8-10. According to these verses, why is being weak a good thing?

Matthew 26:36-46. Describe what happened in the Garden of Gethsemane. What can we learn from this extreme suffering Jesus endured? What can we learn from his crying out?

1 Peter 1:6-7. What can we learn about trials and trauma from Peter’s words? What did you learn about God in the midst of your most difficult trial? Job, Paul, Jesus, and Peter were all incredibly faithful men. What good would you say God brought out of their pain, suffering, and tragedy? Looking back on any of your past pain, is there any good you can see?

Romans 8:35-39. Name all the things that cannot separate us from God’s love. What tends to make you feel separated from God’s love for you?

Read Psalm 3 (authored by David). • Psalm 3:1 What is David’s predicament? • Psalm 3:2 What is the crowd saying about David’s trial? • Psalm 3:3 How has God been faithful? • Psalm 3:4 What does David do, and what is God’s response? • Psalm 3:5 Why do you think David can fall asleep and feel secure? • Psalm 3:6 How can we learn to have that kind of trust in God when others are attacking us? • Psalm 3:6 Who fights for you? • Psalm 3:7 What does God do on behalf of His people?

2 Corinthians 12:9-10. When has there been a time when God carried (or is carrying) you during your weakness?

DEEPER WALK Select at least one activity below to complete during the next week. • Personal Action: Make a list of three people facing difficult trials and pray for them every time you eat. • Mentoring: Ask an older friend or relative about when she faced her most severe trial. What did she learn about God during and after the pain? What advice can she give you?

• Conversation: Instead of talking to someone else, schedule a time when you can share openly with God. Take a walk. Find a quiet place. Spill everything that’s currently worrying you, and ask God to reveal His trustworthiness to you in a new way.

• Memorization: Memorize Job 42:5 as a reminder of God’s faithful presence.