God doesn’t always spare us from tough times, but we can trust him to provide for our needs on the roller coaster of everyday life.
Talking Points:
- Sometimes God lets us go through lean times, but he always has a purpose. 1 Kings 17:2-7, Deuteronomy 28:23-24
- God usually provides for us through other people, whether we like it or not. 1 Kings 17:8-16
- The more we experience God’s provision, the more entitled we can become. 1 Kings 17:17-18
- It’s okay to question God – as long as it comes from a place of faith. 1 Kings 17:19-21
- Each new challenge creates a new opportunity to see how God will provide. 1 Kings 17:22-24
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Other than health and wealth, what are some other things Christians mistakenly believe about God and how he works?
- Read Deuteronomy 28:23-24 and 1 Kings 17:1-7. Why did God allow famines and droughts to occur? Why do you think he didn’t spare Elijah from this judgement even though he was faithful to God?
- Share a time you experienced a drought (emotionally, spiritually or financially). How did that affect you? How did it affect your relationship with God?
- Read 1 Kings 17:8-16. Why do you think God had Elijah go to a widow? How did the widow show great faith in this story? How has God provided for you through someone else’s generosity?
- Read 1 Kings 17-18. What does this passage reveal about the widow’s heart? How do you see Christians act entitled today?
- Read 1 Kings 17:19-20. What does this passage reveal about Elijah’s heart? How can we discern if we’re demanding things from God versus asking but trusting God’s answer?
- Read 1 Kings 17:22-24. Share a time you doubted God to intervene in a situation. Like the widow, how did you come to see God at work in the situation?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
