When you experience uncertainty, conflict, disappointment, or bad news, what is your typical response: Trying to control things, withdrawing, worrying, fixing, praying, or something else?

  • What situations currently feel uncertain or outside your control?
  • What tends to steal your peace most quickly?
  • Who has modeled faithful endurance for you?

 

 

 According to Mark 13:9-23, what dangers does Jesus prepare His disciples to face? Why do you think Jesus spends more time preparing His disciples to endure than helping them predict the future?

  • What examples of deception or despair do you see in this passage?
  • How does the 'already/not yet' understanding of God's Kingdom help us make sense of Jesus' warnings?

 

 

What do these verses teach us about God's character and His purposes during times of suffering? What encouragement do you find in Jesus' warnings?

  • How does God's sovereignty provide comfort without eliminating hardship?

 

 

What do difficult circumstances tend to reveal about our hearts? When life becomes difficult, where do you instinctively seek peace, control, or security?

  • What are some common false refuges people turn to instead of Christ?
  • Why is suffering often such an effective revealer of misplaced trust?

 

 

 What promise of God is sustaining your faith right now? What fear, anxiety, disappointment, or uncertainty are you currently facing?

  • How would your outlook change if you interpreted your situation through that promise?

 


What would faithful endurance look like in your life this week?

  • Is there an area where God may be calling you to repent of misplaced trust?
  • What practical step could help you become more fluent in the promises of the gospel?
  • Which promise of God do you need to intentionally rehearse this week?

 

 

Share one challenge or uncertainty you are currently facing.  Share one promise of God that you are choosing to trust