Trusting God in Trials

With Special Guest Brennan Aschleman

Introduction: Priming the pump for tonight’s discussion.

Let’s begin with our own observations. Was there a moment where God spoke to you, showed you something new, or reminded you of a familiar truth through the message this week?

Exploration: Questions to guide our group discussion.

“It’s our Faith through trials that often produces the greatest growth in us.” Pastor Brennan

1. James taught us that our reaction to trials should be joy. Pastor Brennan noted that there is purpose in a trial, because when our faith is tested it produces endurance. He said that faith is like a muscle…it needs to be tested to grow stronger. When God allows trials…he stretches and challenges us so that our faith can grow bigger and stronger. In this, our joy and patience are manifest because we know that God uses trials to make us mature…to grow us in Christ. When trials come, do we receive them with joy and patience, or do we have a hissy fit? Pastor Brennan asked a tough question…when trials come, do we respond with maturity or do we behave like toddlers? Let’s unpack that and share what God has laid on our hearts.

2. Believers should have an expectation that God will use trials in our lives for good to make us more like Him, but as Pastor Brennan reminded us, a Believer can resist God’s work in their lives by resisting the trials that God allows. When we have the mindset that God is going to do something in our trial, and choose to wait on the Lord in difficult times, God can grow and mature us. When we’re facing trials, are we truly expecting God to move in our situation to grow us in Him?

3. Pastor Brennan taught that when a trial comes, there are two appropriate responses. First, we should seek the Lord for wisdom about how we should deal with our trial. Secondly, we should ask in faith without doubting…responding to our trial with faith. A great question to ask in a trial is, God, what are you doing…or desiring to do in my life through this trial. How does this attitude benefit our growth far better than just complaining about a trial, demanding that God tell us why, becoming angry with God, or doubting God?

Additional Scriptures for Deeper Study:

• 1 Peter 1:6-7
• Romans 5:3-5
• Philippians 4:13

Application: How can I apply this to my life this week?

1. Perhaps you have been in a trial and didn’t understand the right way that a Believer should respond. Would God challenge you to have an “attitude adjustment” about a trial that you’re experiencing right now? Would you commit this change to God in prayer?

2. If you were watching the movie of your own life as a spectator, how would you evaluate the words and actions on the screen? Does it look like the character of you is facing trials with all joy?