THREE THINGS TO KNOW
DON’T MISS THIS. Let’s come together for a powerful night of praise and community. No matter your age or stage, we’d love to see you at our WORSHIP NIGHT. Join us at our Cascade Campus on May 22 from 6:30-8 p.m. It’s a night to lift our voices, connect across generations and celebrate our faith as one family. For more information, click HERE.
GROUP VALUES. This May, we will focus on SERVING. Serving is a core value for followers of Jesus. We believe serving is important because God created, called and gifted each of us to serve.
As a group, take a moment to acknowledge those who are serving in your group. Consider finding a way to celebrate these individuals (a thank you card, celebratory coffee, etc.).
GROW AS A LEADER. Now, more than ever, navigating our pluralistic culture can feel difficult, if not impossible. As a leader, you may feel like you must be prepared to answer that question or address this topic. Consider checking out Undeceptions, a podcast from Ada Bible guest John Dickson. Every week on Undeceptions, John explores topics that are either misunderstood or mostly forgotten. For more information, click HERE.
DISCUSSION GUIDE
Welcome to the second week of our sermon series, YOU ASKED FOR IT, where we tackle tough questions submitted by our church family. This week, Pastor Brad looks at a story in the Old Testament to answer one of life’s most difficult questions, “Where is God in my pain?”
ICEBREAKER
What is something challenging you’ve tried to do to prove yourself or compete with others (like holding your breath underwater, etc.)?
THIS WEEK’S TEXT
Have someone read Genesis 50:15-21 aloud.
What stands out to you about Joseph’s perspective on the suffering he endured?
How does Joseph’s statement in verse 20 reveal his understanding of God’s role in his pain?
What does this passage teach us about how God can work through difficult circumstances?
THIS WEEK’S SERMON
Pastor Brad continued our sermon series, YOU ASKED FOR IT, by exploring the profound question, “Where is God in my pain?” As a group, recall some of the sermon’s big ideas and main points.
How does our culture typically respond to or try to make sense of suffering and pain?
While God doesn’t always rescue us from difficult situations, he always meets us in them. Joseph remembered how God showed up in his past. If you were to list how God has shown up in painful experiences, what stories would you share?
In Joseph’s story, we catch a glimpse of how he noticed and cared for others while in prison himself. How does pain sometimes uniquely equip us to minister to others who are hurting?
In Genesis 50:20, Joseph summarizes his story by saying, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.” How have you seen God transform something painful in your life into something redemptive?
What is one specific way you could apply Joseph’s perspective from Genesis 50:20 to a current struggle or painful situation in your life?
Pastor Brad connected Joseph’s story to Jesus on the cross—the ultimate example of God being present in our pain. How does knowing that Jesus experienced suffering help you face your pain?
Have someone read Revelation 21:3-5 aloud. How does the future hope of this passage offer comfort when facing difficult circumstances in the present?
WRAP UP
This week, we explored how God is present in our pain, working in our waiting and giving us perspective on our past. What one truth about God’s role in suffering do you most need to remember this week, and how might it change how you respond to challenges?