Small Group Discussion Guide

Message Details

• Sermon Series Name: Hard Questions
• Message Title: Why is God Hidden and Silent?
• Short Summary: This message explores the profound truth that God is present even in our most silent and painful moments. Through the story of Joseph, we learn that God does not always remove our pain but is with us in it, working within us to refine our character and prepare us for His greater purposes.

Icebreaker Question

• If you could have any superpower to help you through a difficult time, what would it be and why? How do you think this connects to the idea of God being with us in our struggles?

Review of the Previous Week’s "I Will" Statement

• Reflect on last week’s commitment. What challenges did you face in keeping it? How did you see God show up in your life, even in small ways?

Five Discussion Questions (Core Focus)

1. Reflecting on Joseph’s Story:
   • Joseph faced betrayal, false accusations, and imprisonment. How do you think he felt during these times? Can you relate to a time when you felt abandoned or misunderstood? How did you see God at work, if at all?
   • Context: Genesis 39:20-23 highlights that "the Lord was with Joseph" even in prison.
   • Life Application: Consider how God might be present in your current struggles, even if it’s not immediately apparent.
2. Experiencing God’s Presence in Pain:
   • The message emphasized that God is present in our pain. Describe a time when you felt God’s presence during a difficult situation. What did that look like for you?
   • Context: Hebrews 13:5 assures us that God will never leave us nor forsake us.
   • Life Application: Identify ways you can seek God’s presence in your current challenges.
3. Learning Through Silence:
   • When God seems silent, what do you think He might be teaching you? Share an experience where you learned something valuable during a period of silence or waiting.
   • Context: 1 Peter 1:6-7 speaks of trials refining our faith.
   • Life Application: Reflect on what God might be refining in you right now.
4. Trusting God’s Purpose:
   • The message highlighted that God has a purpose for the silence. How do you find hope in knowing that God has a purpose for your struggles? Share a story where you saw a purpose revealed after a difficult time.
   • Context: Genesis 50:20 shows Joseph recognizing God’s purpose in his suffering.
   • Life Application: Consider how you can trust God’s purpose in your current situation.
5. Community and Support:
   • How have others helped you feel God’s presence during tough times? Share a time when community played a role in your healing or growth.
   • Context: The pastor shared how he felt God’s presence through others during his depression.
   • Life Application: Think about how you can be a source of God’s presence for someone else this week.

This Week’s "I Will" Statement

• I will be honest with God about the silence in my life, but I will trust Him for His purpose. This week, I will take time to pray and reflect on what God might be doing within me during this season.

Prayer Prompts

1. Prayer Requests: Begin by asking if anyone has specific prayer requests.
2. Trust in Silence: Pray for trust in God’s presence and purpose during times of silence and struggle.
3. Community Support: Pray for the ability to be a source of God’s presence and support for others in their times of need.

Rewatch the Message

• For further reflection, you can rewatch the message at www.pathwaychurch.com/messages.