Could there be a purpose or any positive result that grows from Job’s tragic experiences or from the trouble in our lives? We might be tempted to view our difficulties as random, inconvenient, and best ignored or overcome. However, it’s possible that some of our troubling experiences shape us into the people God calls us to be. Together, we can search for a purpose behind our pain. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. Read Job chapter 23. How would Job present his case to God in verses 1-5? What can you discern about Job’s faith in verses 6-17? 2. Read James 1:2-15. What do you observe about “troubles of any kind?” How do times of “testing” turn into occasions for “temptation?” 3. What did you hear this weekend that inspired you, challenged you, or sparked disagreement or further consideration? 4. Make two lists: In one column list out the worst or most difficult circumstances of your life and in the second column list out the best realities of your life. Is there any relationship between the items in your two lists? Has any “good” ever come from the “bad” experiences? How can you trust God to create good out of some of the difficult parts of your life now? 5. As you reflect on past and current challenging events in life… a. How have you experienced God’s presence and guidance in those times? b. What have you learned about yourself, God, and life? c. In what ways has your faith been strengthened or weakened? 6. Many of our difficult experiences relate to the actions of other people. Could you forgive someone and release resentment from your heart? Is there someone who may resent that you could ask for forgiveness?