Jesus Calling Book Club Discussion Guide for Grief

by Sarah Young

Overview

Experience peace in the presence of the Savior who is closer than you can imagine with the Jesus Calling® Discussion Guide for Grief.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780718088019
Publisher:	Nelson, Thomas, Inc.
Publication date:	07/14/2015
Series:	Jesus Calling®
Sold by:	HarperCollins Publishing
Format:	eBook
Pages:	38
Sales rank:	89,420
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Sarah Young, author of the bestselling 365-day devotionals Jesus Calling® and Jesus Listens, was committed to helping people connect with Jesus and the Bible. Her books have sold more than 45 million copies worldwide. Jesus Calling® has appeared on all major bestseller lists. Sarah’s writings include Jesus Calling®, Jesus Listens®, Jesus Always, Jesus Today®, Jesus Lives™, Dear Jesus, Jesus Calling® for Little Ones, Jesus Calling® Bible Storybook, Jesus Calling®: 365 Devotions for Kids, and more, each encouraging readers in their journeys toward intimacy with Christ. Sarah believed praying for her readers was a privilege and God-given responsibility and did so daily even amidst her own health challenges.

Connect with Jesus Calling at:

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Read an Excerpt

Jesus Calling

A 32-Weel Discussion Guide for Those Who Are Grieving

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By Sarah Young

Thomas Nelson

Copyright © 2015 Sarah Young
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-0-7180-8801-9

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CHAPTER 1

Section 1: Denial

Discussion #1: Circumventing Difficulty

Please read the devotion (or listen if you have the Jesus Calling® audiobook) and related Scripture passages from Jesus Calling® dated August 18, and then answer/discuss these questions:

1. As you face the hurt and pain that accompany a loss, have you embraced the feelings or tried to avoid them?

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2. Today's reading encourages us to stop trying to find ways to circumvent our difficulties and to remember that Jesus "infused [His] very Life into you, empowering you to live on a supernatural plane by depending on [Him]." In what ways can you begin to acknowledge your inability to avoid or deliver yourself from hurt and pain and start depending on God to work through this on your behalf?

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3. Instead of pushing through our pain alone, or even burying it deep inside ourselves, Psalm 91:1 reminds us what we gain when we "dwell in the shelter of the Most High." Rest in the Almighty today, and thank Him for carrying you through this time.

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Discussion #2: One Step at a Time

Please read the devotion (or listen if you have the Jesus Calling® audiobook) and related Scripture passages from Jesus Calling® dated February 1, and then answer/discuss these questions:

1. As you deal with your particular hurt or loss, what are some ways you try to solve what you are facing on your own?

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2. Today's reading reminds us that the only thing God requires of us is to follow Him "one step at a time." As we see huge mountains of pain looming before us, God knows where we are going and how to equip us for this journey. What are some ways you feel God is or will be equipping you during this time of difficulty?

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3. As we are feeling the real pain of loss in our lives, it may be challenging to "walk by faith, not by sight." Be encouraged by the words in Psalm 91:11 that say, "For He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways." Pray for courage to trust where He is leading you during this season.

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Discussion #3: Steadiness Through Turmoil

Please read the devotion (or listen if you have the Jesus Calling® audiobook) and related Scripture passages from Jesus Calling® dated April 17, and then answer/discuss these questions:

1. Experiencing pain or loss may be a sudden occurrence in our lives. Even if we seemingly know what to expect, we can still be caught off guard when tragedy strikes. What are the ways you respond to unexpected events?

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2. Today's reading encourages us that "awareness of [God] can continue in all circumstances, no matter what happens." How might this knowledge steady you when turbulent times are at hand?

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3. We will all face bad news in this life, but Psalm 112:7 encourages us that we can face it without fear when our hearts are "steadfast, trusting in the Lord."

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Discussion #4: Perfect Love for an Imperfect Life

Please read the devotion (or listen if you have the Jesus Calling® audiobook) and related Scripture passages from Jesus Calling® dated January 26, and then answer/discuss these questions:

1. Do you hunger for a resolution to all of life's difficulties? When bad things happen, do you question God's love for you? How do you deal with these feelings?

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2. Today's reading shares the sobering news that Jesus gave His disciples, "In this world you will have trouble." How can we carry hope in order to navigate this life when we know that it won't be trouble free?

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3. Today's Scripture passage from John 16:33 illustrates how we can find peace amidst a troubled existence by reminding us that God has "overcome the world." What are some ways you can tap into God's perfect, omnipotent love as you walk through an imperfect life?

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Discussion #5: Relax in God's Healing

Please read the devotion (or listen if you have the Jesus Calling® audiobook) and related Scripture passages from Jesus Calling® dated June 2, and then answer/discuss these questions:

1. Many of us believe that if we just do "the right things," life will turn out as we expect or want. Have you ever lost sight of Him in your life by staying so busy following the rules, you've been unable to rest in the simplicity of His presence?

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2. We often find comfort in the rules that guide our lives. Rules alone aren't wrong, but we cannot live by them solely. Today's reading reminds us that when we seek to know God, we become more like Him. What are some ways you can let go and rest in His presence to find the ultimate comfort only He can provide?

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3. Psalm 46:10 — "Be still, and know that I am God" — reminds us that God wants to transform our minds so that we can receive His peace. Take a few moments today to slow down. Be still and see what happens as you wait for His healing to begin.

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Discussion #6: Resist the Darkness

Please read the devotion (or listen if you have the Jesus Calling® audiobook) and related Scripture passages from Jesus Calling® dated July 1, and then answer/discuss these questions:

1. When a time of grief or darkness comes, do you try to distract yourself from times of quiet, or even time spent in contemplation with God? What are the ways you fill your time with distractions, and how might this impede you from working through your pain?

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2. Today's reading points out that in this world, we will find opposition to spending time with God, including our own inner critic stating we need to spend our time more productively. How do you think taking time to soak in God's presence might bring you more energy and a better attitude to shoulder life's burdens?

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3. Imagine yourself like a child, resting on God's shoulders through times of difficulty as promised in the words of Deuteronomy 33:12: "Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders."

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Discussion #7: The Ultimate Reality

Please read the devotion (or listen if you have the Jesus Calling® audiobook) and related Scripture passages from Jesus Calling® dated July 18, and then answer/discuss these questions:

1. Does a time of tragedy or loss have you feeling very alone? How do you combat the feeling that no one could possibly know what you are going through?

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2. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 11:1, "Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." Having faith in what we cannot see might seem like an exercise in escaping reality, but it is essentially our ultimate reality. What are you hoping for today that you cannot see?

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3. There is comfort in today's reading that reminds us God is "nearer than you think, richly present in all your moments. You are connected to [Him] by Love-bonds that nothing can sever." Where are the places you might see God today? Ask Him to open your eyes to His presence, so that you might feel safe and secure, knowing you are never alone.

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CHAPTER 2

Section 2: anger

Discussion #8: Unanswered Prayers

Please read the devotion (or listen if you have the Jesus Calling® audiobook) and related Scripture passages from Jesus Calling® dated January 6, and then answer/discuss these questions:

1. Do you ever feel like your prayers are going unanswered by God? How do you cope with this feeling and avoid feeling discouraged?

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2. Today's reading reminds us that God is "able to do far beyond all that you ask or imagine," and that "time is a trainer, teaching you to wait upon [Him], to trust [Him] in the dark." Can you think of a time in your life when your specific prayers went unanswered but something else positive came out of the situation that you would have never thought to ask for?

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3. Waiting for answers about a difficult situation can be challenging. Today's Scripture passage from Isaiah 40:31 encourages us, "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Can you lay your specific request aside today and concentrate on His promise to renew your strength in His timing?

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Discussion #9: Light for the Darkened Mind

Please read the devotion (or listen if you have the Jesus Calling® audiobook) and related Scripture passages from Jesus Calling® dated April 6, and then answer/discuss these questions:

1. When you are going through a time of pain or loss, do you think it is possible to still be thankful? How do you put aside your current trouble or anger about a situation and summon up gratefulness?

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2. When David was facing a difficult time, he purposed to "sacrifice a thank offering to you, and call on the name of the Lord" (Psalm 116:17). For the moment, put aside the event that is causing you angst right now. Can you name a few simple things you are thankful for in your life? How does reflecting on these things make you feel?

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3. It is understandable for our minds to become darkened when we are focused on what we have lost. Today's reading says that when we approach God with thanksgiving, "the Light of [His] Presence pours into you, transforming you through and through." Take a moment each day to think of at least one thing you are thankful for, even in the midst of your grief, and see how this discipline works to fill your mind with light.

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Discussion #10: Turning from Resentment to Trust

Please read the devotion (or listen if you have the Jesus Calling® audiobook) and related Scripture passages from Jesus Calling® dated April 12, and then answer/discuss these questions:

1. Perhaps you feel you have trusted God throughout your life, and now feel let down through a current period of hardship or loss. How is it possible to continue to trust God when we feel like our world has been shattered?

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2. God knows us through and through, and stands beside us, even when we are angry and resentful. It's tempting to rebel and accuse God of abandoning us when we are experiencing great pain. Today's reading encourages us to "stay on the path of Life with [Him], enjoying [His] Presence." How does it make you feel to know that He is here with you through this current season of difficulty? Imagine for a minute that the event causing you so much pain has a purpose and that God has brought you to a new place through it. What might that look like for you?

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3. In the Bible, when David was experiencing trouble, he again made a willful effort to speak words of trust to God, even though he was very afraid. In Psalm 31:14–15, David says, "But I trust in you, Lord. I say, 'You are my God.' My times are in your hands." In this moment, you may feel that God has failed you. Can you trust that your entire life, leading to this moment and beyond, is in His hands? Let Him know right now that you trust your hope will be restored and your resentment will be banished.

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(Continues...)

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Excerpted from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. Copyright © 2015 Sarah Young. Excerpted by permission of Thomas Nelson.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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Table of Contents

Contents

32 Weeks of Topics for Those Who Are Grieving,
(to be used for Study Guide Questions and Podcasts),
SECTION 1: DENIAL,
Discussion #1: Circumventi ng Difficulty,
Discussion #2: One Step at a Time,
Discussion #3: Steadiness Through Turmoil,
Discussion #4: Perfect Love for an Imperfect Life,
Discussion #5: Relax in God's Healing,
Discussion #6: Resist the Darkness,
Discussion #7: The Ultimate Reality,
SECTION 2: ANGER,
Discussion #8: Unanswered Prayers,
Discussion #9: Light for the Darkened Mind,
Discussion #10: Turning from Resentment to Trust,
Discussion #11: Faltering Faith, Tenacious Trust,
Discussion #12: You're Not Being Punished,
Discussion #13: The Path of Peace,
SECTION 3: BARGAINING,
Discussion #14: When Nothing Makes Sense,
Discussion #15: Rehearsing Your Troubles,
Discussion #16: Seeing God in the Present,
Discussion #17: A Time for Everything,
Discussion #18: You Can't Plan It Away,
Discussion #19: God Is in Control,
SECTION 4: DEPRESSION,
Discussion #20: The Pit of Pity,
Discussion #21: Never Alone,
Discussion #22: Keep Walking,
Discussion #23: Empty Hands, Open Hearts,
Discussion #24: God with Us,
Discussion #25: God Is Our Burden-Bearer,
Discussion #26: The Golden Cord of Hope,
SECTION 5: ACCEPTANCE,
Discussion #27: Letting Go — Part 1,
Discussion #28: Letting Go — Part 2,
Discussion #29: Living in God's Strength,
Discussion #30: The Gift of Healing,
Discussion #31: The Hope of Heaven,
Discussion #32: A New Adventure,