SESSION 2: Tough Times

1. Welcome each other to your small group.

2. Share your name and your response to this introductory sharing question:

  • What was something that stood out to you in chapter 2?

3. Sharing Questions

  • Describe a tough time in your life.  What helped you get through that tough time?
  • Have you ever had good come out of a tough time in your life?
  • Is there a place in your life or world where you hope God would invade and make a difference?

4. Praying as a group (pray one or two of the following for yourself):

  • "God, thanks for sending Jesus into the middle of my world.  It's amazing news that you know me, understand what I'm going through and love me deeply no matter what is going on in my life."
  • "God, please open my eyes to see your presence in my life and to trust you, especially in the midst of the tough times in life."
  • "In the middle of tough times, I ask for your reassurance that you know me, that you understand what I'm going through and that you love me deeply."
  • "I ask for your powerful redeeming presence in the tough times in my life.  Please use these times as only you can to help me grow in my relationship with you and to care more deeply about other people who are experiencing tough stuff."

5. Assignment for next week

  • Read chapter 3 and think about what stood out to you in this chapter.