WELCOME ICEBREAKER What is the hardest test you remember taking? WORSHIP For all that He has done let us thank Him and for all that He is going to do. Encourage the group to worship God for the past victories and the His ever present help. WORD Read James Chapter 1 as a group. Discuss, according to James, what should our attitude be like when times are difficult and our faith is tested. - Are we to be joyful because we are in a trial or because of the results? See Hebrews 12:2 and Proverbs 15:15, 17:22; John 15:11.
Discuss how faith and patience are connected. Read Hebrews 6:12-15. Why does James tell us to ask for wisdom in the trial? What do you usually ask for in the difficult times? How can we practically “let go and let God?” See Proverbs 4:7-8; 9:10 and Colossians 2:3. What distracts us in the trials? Discuss what things cause us to take our eyes off the Lord during difficult times. Read Hebrews 12:2. In the midst of a trial it is common to ask “If God really loves me, why is this happening to me?” The enemy will try to tempt us in a variety of ways, with the ultimate goal of thinking God does not love us, so we stop trusting Him. What are you tempted with when you are in a difficult situation? Do you have an old habit that you feel like going back to? Read Romans 8:31-39, In this chapter on faith, James mentions anger. During the storms of life, it is not uncommon for us to have a shorter fuse—we get upset easier. How can we avoid becoming angry when life is challenging? Read Proverbs 22:24-25; 29:22. How does helping those less fortunate than ourselves help us in a trial? Who is there that you could help as a group? As an individual? WORK Home group leaders, continue to pray for new leaders to be raised up in your group. Our goal is to finish the year with 50 home groups. Also keep praying and expecting the empty seat to be filled with new–comers. Next Leadership Summit is Thursday, July 29. Has this lesson helped you? Please let us know! Email home group testimonies with this form! By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. Hebrews 11:3 — NLT
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