Read Matthew 27:37-46.
This passage of Scripture describes some of Jesus’ final moments as He was crucified on the cross. As He was tortured and ridiculed while hanging on the cross, Jesus cries out to God, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
- What is your current level of trust in God?
- Can you remember events or situations that helped you build your trust in God?
- Why does it seem so hard to trust in God when we are in the midst of difficult times and so easy to trust Him when life is good?
- Can you remember a time that you felt completely alone or abandoned by God?
- How did God ultimately show you that you were not alone?
- We have all experienced tragedies and difficult situations that have caused us to ask the question, “Why, God?” What are some of the “why” questions you have asked?
Read Isaiah 55:8-9, Mark 10:18, Romans 8:31-33, and Proverbs 3:5-6.
These verses show us that God is good, God is for us, and God is with us when we endure times of difficulty we don’t understand.
- How have you experienced God’s goodness while enduring tough times?
- What are some of the frustrations or questions you are currently struggling with?
- How have the tragedies and trials you have experienced throughout your life ultimately shaped you into the person you are today?
- What did they teach you about God?
- What types of things do you think God is trying to tell you through the difficulties you’re facing right now?
Next Steps
Here are some specific things you can do this week to help you better understand why we endure difficult times and how you can build your trust in God.
We all know someone who is currently going through difficult times. Do something this week to help comfort that person and show them that God has not abandoned them.
Pray for them throughout the week. Ask God to comfort them and show Himself to them during their difficult time. Call them or go to their Facebook page and leave them an encouraging message!
Go to (http://www.facebook.com/JLMAlive.tv) or (http://www.facebook.com/Jesuslighthouse) and leave a comment to share what God has shown you throughout your life concerning this. You’re words may help someone you didn’t even expect to help this week.
Use these prayer tips to talk it over with God and to expand your conversations both in person and online:
- In prayer, confess those areas of your life where you feel abandoned by God. Ask Him for His comfort.
- Commit to God in prayer that you will strive to grow your trust in Him, especially during tough times.
- Thank God for all the times He has shown His love to you during difficult circumstances. Praise Him.
- Pray for someone you know who’s dealing with a tragedy or going through hard times. Ask God to comfort them.
Remember to be positive and speak positive this week. Catch yourself when you feel yourself going negative, and reverse it! Remember Jesus’ work on the cross was for YOU!
