In his book, The Road Less Traveled, M. Scott Peck states what many know to be true, “Life is difficult.” He goes on to say, “This is a great truth, one of the greatest truths. It is a great truth because once we truly see this truth, we transcend it. Once we truly know that life is difficult - once we truly understand and accept it - then life is no longer difficult. Because once it is accepted, the fact that life is difficult no longer matters.” How do you deal with disappointment, suffering and struggles, pain and loss? Today Pastor John, along with a couple of panel members, helps to unpack another one of our Big Questions.

For Adult Homes and Groups

1. Can you describe one of the most difficult and painful times in your life? 

2. Read Job 1. What words or phrases jumped out? What seems confusing or chaotic about this introduction to Job’s life? 

3. It was stated on Sunday, “Suffering cannot be understood from a natural, earthly perspective.” The devil was obviously allowed to do his destructive work in Job’s life. Why do people easily blame God for their difficulties and fail to give credit to the devil during times of suffering, pain, or loss? 

4. One scholar wrote, “The fact of suffering was held to be the result of sin, especially original sin, but this did not mean that each instance of suffering could be casually linked to a specific sin and its divine punishment.” Discuss this statement in light of the fact that Job is a real account of an innocent sufferer. Have you or someone you know experienced something similar? 

5. Read Job 1:20-22 again. How is this response possible in light of all Job’s losses? Now read Romans 8:20-21. What promises jump off the page? 

6. Suffering is not answered by questions, but by faith in the One God who suffers with us and on our behalf. Read Hebrews 5:8-10 and 1 Peter 4:1-2. 

7. Pray for someone who you know is going through a Job-like experience right now to experience God’s presence and peace. 

For Families with Kids

1. Memorize Psalm 46:1.

2. When life becomes hard it can feel like we’re alone. But Jesus promises no matter what we’re facing, He never leaves us alone. Scary things do not scare away Jesus. Hard times are when Jesus shines.

3. Read these passages for each day of this coming week to be filled with God’s promise of presence:

Monday: Psalm 46; Tuesday: Psalm 23; Wednesday: John 14:15-27; 

Thursday: Isaiah 41:10; Friday: Psalm 139:1-18; Saturday: Isaiah 43:1-3a ; Sunday: Zephaniah 3:17