Are You Kidding Me?! - The Scene Doesn't Say It All

Genesis 50:15–20

Apart from the Bible, what's your favorite story and why?

What makes a great story?

Why do you think so much of the Bible is in story form?

What do you do when your story is not going the way you want it to?

Ever feel like you're stuck? Getting nowhere in your story? What should you do when your story seems to be on pause?

Read verse 19. Are you afraid of anything right now? How do you know if you're in the place God wants you to be in? And if you are there, how does this reassure you?

Read verse 20. Share a time when you faced a hardship and saw God bring something good out of it.

What can you do when you can't find anything good from what's going on in your life?

Discuss the difference between what it looks like to trust in yourself versus trusting in God.

What specific scene in your life do you need to begin trusting God with?

How will you move forward in the story God has for you this week?

Are You Kidding Me?! - Scared Out of My Mind

What "silly" things are you afraid of? (eg. clowns, birds, spiders, germs, etc.)

Read Mark 4:35-41

Which part of this story best describes your life right now?
A. Getting in the boat
B. Middle of the storm
C. Waking Jesus up
D. Amazed by God

When have you felt like God was asleep in the middle of life's storm? How did you deal with that?

What should we expect from God when we find ourselves in a storm?

How would the disciples have responded if they had faith?
(They would not have awakened Him and asked if He cared. They would have trusted His very presence to keep them safe.)

Why is it so hard to have "faith" in the middle of life's hard times?

In what areas of your life are you tempted to respond with fear rather than faith?

What activities have you found to be helpful when you're going through hard times?

Read Mark 6:35-41

What is the most frightening or unbelievable thing you've ever seen?

What does this story reveal about Christ's involvement in our own trials?
(He is both aware of and concerned about our struggles and acts on our behalf. His deliverance reveals to us His supernatural power.)

In verse 36, Jesus says, "Take courage. It is I. Don't be afraid." In what situations do you most need to take these words to heart?

Next Steps:

Take courage (move forward in spite of fear) with what God has called you to do. What next step does God want you to take?

Who do you know that is in a storm right now? How can you encourage them and build their faith?

Build your faith this week by spending more time in God's presence. Remove distractions, find your quiet place, and just be alone with God.