CONNECT
Share an example with the group of a time when you were competitive. Did you win or lose? What did winning/losing feel like?

What does “winning in life” look like to you in your stage of life? What are the standards/requirements that you look for to answer this question?

ENGAGE
Read Genesis 31:3 and then Genesis 32:9. Do these two verses match? What has Jacob done?
Have you ever tried to rewrite God’s promises to fit what you wanted to happen in your circumstances? How did that turn out?

Discuss the phrase: “God doesn’t promise our prosperity, He promises His presence.” Why might God’s presence be more important, helpful, or effective than other things we think we want from him?

What are some tangible ways we can hold on to God when we are tempted to control our lives ourselves?

Read Genesis 32:22-30. Have you ever had a wrestling match with God? If you feel comfortable, share what it was about and who won the fight.

APPLY
The Bible says that if you lose your life for His sake, you will save it. According to this biblical definition of winning, do you think you are “winning at life” right now? Why or why not?
What might “losing your life” look like?

What is your limp? How has it been a limitation or handicap for you?
In what specific ways do you try to hide the limp(s) from others?
How might you go about letting God use your so-called limp to glorify Him?
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, thank you that you define winning at life differently than our world does. Thank you for looking at us and seeing people who are worthy, loved, and covered by grace. Please show us the areas of our lives where we are trying to hide our limps, and give us what we need to instead let you use them for our good and your glory.
Give us the strength to recognize that your presence with us is more than enough and all we need. In Jesus’ name, Amen.