1 Follow the directions below for a guided group discussion with a friend, in a family, small group, etc. Grab a Scripture Card (printed or electronic) and simply follow steps from 1 to 6 on this page and the next. DISCUSSION HELP: 1 2 3 4 SCRIPTURE CARD GUIDE FOR GROUP DISCUSSION “ SERIOUSLY? ” – DECEMBER 5 & 6 SERIES OVERVIEW: 2020 has seemed like one crisis after another: global, national, and personal. It may feel a lot more like Crisismas than Christmas this year. The first Christmas wasn’t much different. It might just give us some wisdom and perspective. Use follow-up questions to take the discussion deeper. Guide answers to be honest and real. Can you say more about that? How have you seen that play out in your life? What does that stir up in you? Has anyone else had a similar thought or experience? What might God be inviting you to do? OPENING PRAYER: About 1 minute Ask for a volunteer from the group to open in prayer. Consider reading Psalm 31:1-3 as part of the opening prayer. BIG IDEA: About 10 seconds to read Humanity is no stranger to crisis. If God is good and loving why do bad things happen to good people? Why do bad things happen to you? INTRO QUESTION(S: About 15 minutes See Romans 5:3, and 2 Corinthians 12:9. God does not cause bad to occur, but He can use it for our good. How have you seen God use hard times in the past for your good or the good of others? SCRIPTURE READING + GROUP DISCUSSION About 40–45 minutes Read the entire scripture passage aloud as a group and discuss the questions on the card above. Use the Discussion Help sidebar to encourage deeper discussion. When things go wrong, we can sometimes struggle in our understanding of what God is doing. We might wonder whether God fully cares, or if He is all-powerful, or if He is even good. What Scriptures are helpful to recall when these misconceptions arise?