Groups Discussion Guide
Read Scripture. Go Deeper. Ask Questions. Take Action.
The Wonder of Abandonment
Scripture
45 From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. 46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli,[a] lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).
Main Idea
The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy things in our lives to make us question God and His goodness. When we are going through hard times and feel all alone, that is when it is most important to remind yourself that Jesus knows how this feels and He still clung to God. As Jesus hung on the cross, he cried out, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" He was crying out to God in despair and hardship. Jesus knows what it is like to feel alone, to feel abandoned, and to need God. He also knows what is on the other side of that pain. On the other side of that pain is freedom and a beautiful story. You can trust God with your hardships and your frustrations. He will be there and see you through every time.
The season you are in is not your story, it's just a part of your story.
Discussion Questions
- Share about a time where you have wanted to or did question why God was letting you experience or making you experience in life. How did it turn out of what did you learn through it?
- Why does the enemy try to get us to ask "Why” over and over? If getting us to question God's integrity and love for us can lead us away from God, what are some ways of group can help keep each other focused on God?
- Hebrews 13:5 says “Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you.” When have you reminded yourself off this truth? How did it change your perspective?
Summary
We wonder where God is in this moment, in my pain, in my life? It can feel like He is doing nothing, but even Jesus knows what that feels like. The word forsaken can also mean abandoned, rejected, left by someone who loves you, or simply feeling alone.
If we aren't careful, we can start to reject God when hard times happen. We can start to slowly pull away by not giving, not serving, or not praying. Don't let hard times remove you from your relationship with God. He is always there for you and wants to be a comfort to you when you are hurting. God isn't intimidated when you after frustrated with Him. The truth is, we won't know the full story of our lives and their impact on this side of heaven. Don't let a chapter of your life define the whole story.
Here are 3 responses you can use and lean on during hard times when you feel like God doesn't love you or isn't near you.
- Remind yourself God loves you and is with you. (Hebrews 13:5) He is a comfort to the broken hearted.
- Make the “why” the “what” - Instead of why is this happening ask what do you want me to learn? If you only stay in the why, we take a victim mentality and could miss the meaning and stay to pull away from God. Turn thence focus inward to what God wants to shape in us. (Hebrews 5:8, 2 Cor 12:7-10, 1 Cor 13:12)
- When you can't trace God's hand, trust God's heart. Trust that God had you and loves you even if it isn't apparent to you. I don't understand what's happening but know You have me.
God's heart is contained in His scripture. Reminding yourself of His promises in scripture helps to keep you close to God and remind you of His goodness.
When feeling abandoned or are going through hard times, it is a great opportunity to say "Amen" to the promises of God.
- So be it God you are with me - Hebrews 13:5
- So be it God you are taking all the bad and you're turning it for my good. - Romans 8:28
- So be it God you are going to do more than I could even think or ask. - Ephesians 3:20
- So be it God you're using my bad days to restore me, strengthen me, and establish me. - 1 Peter 5:10
- So be it God your character will not change. - Lamentations 3:23-24
During hard times and during bad, stay tethered to God's promises and the foundation of our faith that He loves us and is the author of our full story, not just a hard moment.
Take Action
- When you are struggling, tell your community about it.
- Pray for your group to be transparent and encourage each other to stay focused on God.
- When you are hurting, say, "Amen" to the promises of God and remind yourself of His presence and goodness.
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