Icebreaker: 

We are one month into a new year. If you could hit the reset button in any area of your life, what would it be?

Big Idea:

All through our Christian walk, we will encounter circumstances that have the potential to make us want to retreat, give up, or even question our faith. In this series, we will talk about walking out our faith despite our challenges.  

Key Scriptures: 

• 2 Timothy 4:7
• Matthew 11:1-6
• 2 Corinthians 12:9

Main Points:  

1. You are in a battle (2 Timothy 4:7)
   • The Apostle Paul understood that he was in a fight of faith.
2. We can be tempted to give up in the fight (Matthew 11:1–6)
   • Even though John the Baptist was one of Jesus’ strongest supporters, he was tempted to quit at a time of great trial (in jail and facing death). 
   • In times of trial, we need to remind ourselves of the times God has come through with a miracle.
3. We are not alone in our trial (2 Corinthians 12:9)
   • As believers, we understand that we have a friend who sticks close to us when we walk through a battle of faith. When our strength begins to fail, or when we get weary in the fight, Jesus promises to impart His strength to us (see 2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
   • Not only are we not alone in our trial, but others are watching us through our battle. Their faith will be encouraged when they see our victory.
   • Not every trial we face is just about us. God will use our standing in faith and our refusal to give up as an encouragement to others who are trusting Christ as well.

Discussion Questions: 

1. What is your usual response when faced with confrontation?
2. Have you ever battled with doubt when in a trial? How did you work through it? 
3. How does knowing that others are watching you through your trial affect how you respond to the enemy’s attacks?
4. Is there someone whom you have watched go through a trial that has encouraged you to trust God in the midst of your battles?

Challenge

Standing in faith to see a situation turn around or a breakthrough come can be discouraging if you have no one standing in faith with you. Take the time to share and agree with someone in the group about a request you are standing in faith. Commit to praying for one another this semester in faith to see it happen.