Unhealthy characteristics and dysfunctional relationships tend to be part of every life and every story. The family God chose to become ancestors for Jesus was far less than perfect—full of suspicion, deceit, poor communication, manipulation—it was a mess. Yet God worked through those imperfect people to accomplish his perfect plan. We want to discover how to trust God in our own imperfect realities while taking steps toward health and wholeness. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. Read through Genesis 27:1-34. What do you observe about the relationships between Isaac, Rebekah, Esau and Jacob and what are some of the unhealthy qualities and harmful actions you notice in this story? 2. Consider an unhealthy relationship or a dysfunctional environment you have been part of—Do you see any traits in this story that you have experienced? 3. What did you hear this weekend that inspired you, challenged you, or sparked disagreement or further consideration? 4. How does a lack of trust affect every relationship in this story? In your life, who do you have difficulty trusting and why? What options do you have to deal with that? 5. Take an inventory of your important relationships—with friends, at work, in your family. Is there an action you could take to influence positive change, an attitude that the Holy Spirit may be challenging, or a predictable pattern you would like to break? 6. Remember that the family in Genesis 27 is the one God chose to establish his chosen people and to ultimately bring his Son into our world. How does this reality instruct you about the way God works, what do you realize about the power of God’s promises, and how do you see your imperfect relationships in a different light?