by Laura Story
When God Doesn’t Fix It Study Guide
Copyright © 2016 by Laura Story Elvington
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All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
ISBN: 978-0-310-08916-2
ISBN: 978-0-310-08917-9 (eBook)
First Printing February 2016
Contents
Introduction: Happily Ever After, After
How to Use This Guide
SESSION 1: Don’t Be Surprised by Trouble
SESSION 2: Best-Made Plans
SESSION 3: When God Doesn’t Fix It
SESSION 4: Why? The Question on Replay
SESSION 5: A Better Broken
Small Group Leader Helps
INTRODUCTION
Happily Ever After, After
Unexpected phone calls can be good or bad. But regardless of whether the content of the phone call is good or bad, it has the potential to change our lives in profound ways.
When the caller tells us the cancer is gone, that we’ve been hired, that there is a buyer for the house we’re selling, or a thousand other good things, we immediately recognize the potential for change. In those moments, we’re convinced the old life as we’ve known it is over and a breathtaking new one has just begun. Our hope soars, and we can’t wait to get started! But when the call brings bad news, we don’t want our life to change. In the midst of a tragedy, we just want everything to return to “normal” or “the way it used to be.”
But is it possible that good things can come out of broken dreams? Is it conceivable that in the months that follow that initial frightening phone call, the possibility exists for a deeper intimacy with God, a renewed love for our friends and family, a greater comprehension of the scarcity of time, or a thousand other unexpected gifts? If we knew those treasures only came from walking through the valley, would we willingly choose the path that took us there?
For centuries, children have grown up hearing stories that end with the words, “And they lived happily ever after.” With the advent of media-on-demand, endless production of animated Disney films, and the fairy princess motif running through so many cultural stories, it is easy for young people to conclude that their personal stories should end with these familiar words. Adding to the confusion is the message being communicated in many children’s Bible storybooks and Sunday school classes, in which a whole generation of kids has heard a message that gives the impression God promises to make all our dreams come true. If we do our best to follow Jesus, he will make sure we experience smooth sailing through this life and into the next.
But God does not promise a painless and easy life this side of eternity, nor does the Bible guarantee endless delight and overflowing blessing every step of our journey. We are not assured of a “happily ever after” exclamation at the end of our years on this planet. Let’s be clear: God loves his children. He delights to bless his people, and his grace is always present and sufficient. But he does not promise a painless, struggle-free, easy path through this life. What he guarantees is to be with us every step of the journey.
This world is not our home and it is certainly not our eternal destination. God has something even better planned for his beloved children. This life will have loss, heartache, struggle, and pain. When we walk with Jesus we will also drink in amazing joy, deep love, stunning beauty, and peace in the storms. And, when it is all said and done, we will find out that every person who travels through life hand-in-hand with Jesus will live happily ever after, after this life when we see Jesus face-to-face.
How to Use This Guide
The When God Doesn’t Fix It video study is designed to be experienced in a group setting such as a Bible study, Sunday school class, or any small group gathering. Each session begins with a brief “talk about it” question to get you and the group engaged and thinking about the topic. You will then watch the video with Laura Story and jump into some directed small-group Bible study and discussion questions. Even though there are many questions available for your small group, don’t feel that you have to use them all. Your leader will focus on the ones that resonate most with your group and guide you from there.
Each person in the group should have his or her own study guide, which includes video notes, small-group discussion questions, and daily personal studies to deepen learning between sessions. Participants are also strongly encouraged to have a copy of the When God Doesn’t Fix It book. Reading the book alongside the curriculum provides even deeper insights that make the journey richer and more meaningful.
It’s going to be great! However, if you want to get the most out of your experience, you need to keep a couple of things in mind. First, note that the real growth in this study will happen during your small-group time. This is where you will process the content of Laura’s message, ask questions, and learn from others as you listen to what God is doing in their lives. For this reason, it is important to be committed to the group and attend each session so you can build trust and rapport with the other members of your group.
Second, remember that as much as small groups can be a deeply rewarding time of intimacy and friendship, they can also be a disaster. Work to make your group a “safe place.” That means first being honest about your thoughts and feelings as well as listening carefully to everyone else’s opinion. (Note: If you are a group leader, there are additional instructions and resources in the back of the book for leading a productive discussion group.)
Third, resist the temptation to “fix” a problem someone might be having or to correct his or her theology. That’s not what this time is for. In addition, make sure you keep everything your group shares confidential. All this will foster a rewarding sense of community in your small group and give God’s Spirit some space to heal, challenge, and engineer life transformation.
Following your group time, you can maximize the impact of the course with additional study between the sessions. For each session, you may wish to complete the personal study all in one sitting or to spread it out over a few days (for example, working on it a half-hour a day on five different days that week). Note that if you are unable to finish (or even start!) your between-sessions personal study, still attend the group study video session. We are all busy, and life happens. You are still wanted and welcome at the group even if you don’t have your “homework” done.
Keep in mind this is an opportunity to train in a new way of seeing the world. The videos, discussions, and studies are simply meant to kick-start your imagination to help you see how God is working through the troubled times and be a willing partner with him
in his plan. As you do so, you will find hope in the midst of ongoing tragedy, healing in brokenness, peace in raging storms, and priceless gifts even in unresolved circumstances.
Of Note: The quotations interspersed throughout this study guide and the introductory comments are excerpts from the book When God Doesn’t Fix It and the video curriculum of the same name by Laura Story. The in-between sessions material is by Laura Story with Jennifer Schuchmann. All other resources have been written by Kevin and Sherry Harney.
SESSION ONE
Don’t Be Surprised by Trouble
Our hope comes in Jesus, even when he doesn’t do what we want him to do. Even when he doesn’t fix what’s broken in our life. . . . When Jesus is with us, he’s our anchor in the rough waters of a troubled life. If we want to survive the storm we need to cling to him like the salvation he is.
LAURA STORY
Introduction
There is a popular expression that says, “Into each life some rain must fall.” We all encounter stormy times in our lives. Sometimes this takes the form of just a gentle rain, but at other times it is an intense downpour with hurricane-force winds. When these times come, it is difficult for us not to be taken back and ask, God, why did this happen?
Perhaps what we need to do is adopt the mindset of a young boy named Daniel. Daniel grew up in a tough neighborhood. He had friends whose houses were robbed, and he knew that if he left his bike out front at night, there was a good chance it would be gone in the morning. He knew better than to walk around his block alone after dark. He was on his toes when he saw strangers and was ready to run home as fast as he could if he sensed trouble.
Would you say that Daniel was paranoid or prepared?
The truth is, Daniel sees the world he lives in the way it really is. He has learned that he should be prepared, careful, and aware of his surroundings. Daniel has his eyes open to the fact that this world can be a dangerous place and the neighborhood where he lives has very specific hazards. His preparedness actually makes his neighborhood a safer place for him.
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed (1 Peter 4:12–13).
If Daniel did not recognize the risks around him, or if he decided to ignore them, he would be in greater danger. But by honestly looking at the threats in the environment where he lives, he can make decisions and take actions that help him make it through each day. As believers in Christ, we need to do the same. We need to take to heart Jesus’ words when he said, “In this world you will have trouble.” But we must also remember the rest of that verse: “But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Talk About It
Welcome to the first session of When God Doesn’t Fix It. If you or any of your fellow group members do not know one another, take some time to introduce yourselves. Next, to get things started, discuss one of the following questions:
• What are some beliefs you held as a child that turned out not to be true? How do the misconceptions we hold as children often shape our lives?
or
• How can the recognition that this life will have loss, pain, and trouble prepare us to face these challenging times? What are some of the consequences if we deny or ignore the reality of pain in this life?
Video Teaching Notes
As you watch the video teaching segment for session one, use the following outline to record anything that stands out to you.
Trouble finds its way into our lives
When hard truth comes crashing in
A new understanding of the biblical story
The good news of the gospel:
• The reality and cost of sin
• The gift of grace (God’s love revealed through Jesus)
• The glory of eternal life
Man chose to disobey God and the result was a marring of creation that could only be rectified by the sacrifice of a loving Savior.
The cost of following Jesus
Standing on the solid rock
Bible Study and Video Discussion
Take a few minutes with your group members to discuss what you just watched and explore these concepts in Scripture.
1. Many people grow up believing or being taught that God promises to give us a good, safe, pain-free life if we do our best to follow and honor him. What were you taught or led to believe about how God will treat you if you seek to live a good life for him? Where do you think this teaching came from?
The older I get, the more I learn that the pursuit of truth is a lifelong endeavor.
2. In the story of Daniel, we read how God closed the mouths of lions and allowed him to walk out of the den unscratched. In the story of David, we see how the giant Goliath fell defeated at his feet. What is the danger of simplifying Bible stories like these into lessons that give the impression that people of faith always end up on top and win the earthly battles they face? What are other Bible stories that are often used in a way that sends this message to children and adults?
3. The truth is that few characters in the Bible were so good that their behavior warranted God’s unquestioning blessing. Who are some characters in the Bible who had both good and bad qualities? How does the presence of so many biblical characters with a mix of good and bad affirm that God’s blessings in our life are not based on our “good behavior”?
Our hope isn’t found in being good so God will be good to us. Our hope is found in the person of Jesus Christ, his overwhelming love for us, and his ability to sustain us no matter what this life brings.
4. Read Romans 6:19–23. What do you learn in this passage about the battle between sin and righteousness? According to Paul, what are the consequences of sin? How do you see this reality in our world today?
What are the results of becoming a “slave” to God? What benefits do we gain from living a life of holiness?
5. Read Romans 5:12. Why is it absolutely essential that we understand the bad news of sin if we are going to fully understand the good news of the gospel and the hope we have in Jesus? If someone looked at you and said, “I don’t think sin is really a big deal,” what would you say to help him or her understand the extent and cost of sin?
6. Read Romans 3:23, Ephesians 2:8–9, and Romans 8:1–4. How is salvation a gift to be received and not a payment to be earned? What is the danger of believing that our actions and “goodness” are the reason for our salvation?
Despite what culture tells us, Scripture states clearly that the way to know eternal life is through the person of Jesus Christ.
7. How does a relationship with Jesus and the hope of eternal life help you stand strong during the storms you face in this life? What is a tough time you recently walked through? How has your relationship with Jesus enabled you to stand strong and endure?
8. Read 2 Corinthians 4:16–18. What does the apostle Paul mean when he says, “Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all”? How can we keep our eyes and focus on what is unseen and eternal as we walk through the hard times of this life?
For the disciples, following Jesus didn’t lead to better homes or better jobs or more comfortable lives. It led the majority of these men to their deaths, but not before experiencing the kind of life worth dying for.
9. Read 2 Corinthians 11:16–33. What are some of the struggles, pains, and losses the apostle Paul faced as he lived for Jesus? How could he be so optimistic and joy-filled in light of all he suffered?
10. How can your group members pray for you and support you as you walk through a painful time or as you support someone you love who is going through a difficult time?
In our search for truth, is it possible that God, in his sovereignty, might allow the things in life that appear to be sturdy to lose their sturdiness, in order to show us that Jesus truly is the only sturdy thing in this life?
Closing Prayer
Use the prompts below to guide your group in a time of prayer together:
• Thank God for those people who taught you the Bible and instructed you in the truth of God’s Word.
• Praise God for the times he has delivered you from the lions’ den and given you power to overcome giants—and also praise him for the power he gives to stand in faith even when the battles you face don’t have a happy ending.
• Celebrate the amazing and undeserved gift of grace revealed in the death of Jesus for your sins.
• Ask God to teach you to walk in joy even during the storms of life.
• Pray for group members to cling to Jesus with deep faith for as long as they walk through the valley of pain and loss . . . even if it takes a lifetime.
Between-Sessions
PERSONAL STUDY
Reflect on the content covered in this first session by exploring the following material from the Bible and from When God Doesn’t Fix It. Before you begin, answer these questions:
What are you hoping to gain from this study?
What are some difficult situations that you are facing right now?
What questions do you have for God about these situations?
What do you feel God is teaching you through these circumstances?
Day One: The Reality of Our World
In the video this week, Laura shared about some of the symptoms her husband, Martin, began to experience after they moved to Atlanta. For several months he had been more forgetful than usual, but now he began to seem perpetually exhausted. At first Laura thought it was because of his hectic work and school schedule, but soon he started falling asleep during Bible studies or—even worse—during worship services at Perimeter Church.
