We all face great difficulties in life. These experiences make us feel weak and hopeless, but God uses them to show us His great strength and grace.

KEY VERSES

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (NASB)

7 Because of the extraordinary greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! 8 Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me. 9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in distresses, in persecutions, in difficulties, in behalf of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

Psalm 34:1-8 (NASB)

1 I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul will make its boast in the Lord; the humble will hear it and rejoice. 3 Exalt the Lord with me, and let’s exalt His name together. 4 I sought the Lord and He answered me, and rescued me from all my fears. 5 They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces will never be ashamed. 6 This wretched man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them. 8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!

UNDERSTANDING

• What is the worst storm you have ever experienced. Were you able to prepare for it in advance? What were some of your thoughts or fears during that storm?

• Some of us have weathered bad storms of nature, but all of us have weathered difficult storms of life. What are some of the questions people ask about God when they encounter a “storm,” or trial, in life?

• What is a past situation in which you experienced God’s grace upon grace? What has that experience taught you about any future “storms” you might face?

• Why did Paul say he was given the thorn in the flesh? Why do we often become “conceited” in the absence of difficulties? What are some additional reasons why God might allow us to face the storms of life?

• What did Paul conclude when he considered his suffering?

• Have you ever felt like Paul did? That you prayed and asked God to change something, but He did not? How did you experience his grace during that season?

• Why do you think acknowledging our weakness helps us to appreciate God’s grace?

• What was David’s life like at the time he wrote Psalm 34 (vv. 2,4,6,17; see also 1 Samuel 21:10-15)? How had God shown grace to David in the midst of this storm?

• Despite the storm in his life and recent trials, David said he would boast in the Lord. Why do you think David was able to praise the Lord so freely and joyfully in the midst of trying circumstances?

• David not only boasted in the Lord in the midst of his afflictions, he also challenged his readers to “taste and see that the LORD is good” (v. 8). How might the trials and difficulties in our lives help us see and experience the goodness of God more deeply?

APPLICATION

• Dr. Smith made the following points of application in this week’s message: When going through a storm, the presence of God provides comfort, the promises of God provide strength, the people of God provide love and comfort, and the power of God rests upon us. Which of these points stand out to you the most personally today? Explain.

• Dr. Smith said, “God’s promises encourage us and empower us.” What is your role in experiencing encouragement and empowerment from God’s promises?

• Read 2 Corinthians 1:4. In regard to the people of God providing love and comfort, how can this group help you in your current season?

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