Why? Discussion Guide - Week 5

Welcome
This week we are continuing our exploration of the book of Job. So far we have talked about loving God when times are tough and wrestled with questions such as “Is it okay to be mad at God?” and “Does everything happen for a reason?” This week we will turn to the final chapters of Job to see what we can learn from the text.


Opening Prayer
Dear God, thank you for this time together as a group and for this sermon series as a whole. Thank you for the difficult questions and honest answers we have considered over the past few weeks. Help us to understand what you have to say to us through today’s discussion and help us come together to support one another in love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


Ice Breaker
Since Thanksgiving is this week, share a favorite Thanksgiving tradition or memory with the group. Alternatively, what is one thing you are thankful for this year?


The Head
So far in the book, Job has mostly been asking "Why" – but when God finally speaks, he doesn't necessarily answer "Why" but answers "What" instead. God provides answers, but sometimes they're not the answers we want to hear.

Job 38:1-5

Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind:

“Who is this darkening counsel with words lacking knowledge?
Prepare yourself like a man; I will interrogate you, and you will respond to me.
Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundations?
Tell me if you know.
Who set its measurements? Surely you know.
Who stretched a measuring tape on it?”

• The book continues with these questions for quite some time. What do you think God’s purpose was in asking all these rhetorical questions?
• Put yourself in the place of Job. How would you respond if God said these things to you?
• What do these questions tell us about the heart of God?

Job 42:1-6

Job answered the Lord:

“I know you can do anything; no plan of yours can be opposed successfully.
You said, ‘Who is this darkening counsel without knowledge?’
I have indeed spoken about things I didn’t understand, wonders beyond my comprehension. You said, ‘Listen and I will speak; I will question you and you will inform me.’
My ears had heard about you, but now my eyes have seen you.
Therefore, I relent and find comfort on dust and ashes.”

Job 42:10

…Then the Lord changed Job’s fortune when he prayed for his friends, and the Lord doubled all Job’s earlier possessions.

• Why do you think Job responded in this way?
• If God can truly “do anything,” how does that impact our faith?
• What does it mean that Job’s ears had heard about God but now his eyes have seen God? What is the difference?

The Heart
Maybe the question isn't "Why do bad things happen?" but rather "What does God do about those bad things?" We know God is with us in our suffering, even if we cannot feel it. We also know that suffering is not permanent, though in the moment it may feel like things will never change.

• What does it mean to you that “God is with us?”
• Think of a time when someone has “shown up” and came alongside you when you were struggling. What was that like for you?
• If God is answering “What” instead of “Why,” how does that shift our understanding of faith and our relationship with God?
• What lessons have we learned from the whole book of Job? Where do we find hope?

The Hands
Spend some time journaling or meditating over what we have learned from the book of Job. Some questions to ask yourself may be:

• Where do I see God in my life even when I am struggling or suffering?
• Where do I see hope in the world, even amidst the chaos and hatred?
• How can I remind myself that suffering is not permanent and not the end of the story?

Closing Prayer
Dear God, thank you for the honest discussions we have had during this sermon series. Help us to understand what you are trying to say to us through the book of Job. Help us to remember that suffering and pain are not the ultimate end to the story. Help us to remember that you are always with us, even if we can’t feel it in the moment. Thank you for our group and for our conversation today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


From Pastor Charity

ADVENT DEVOTIONAL
I’m excited to share that I wrote this year’s Advent Devotional. It’s called Advent 2024: A Calendar of Devotions. As a church, we're going to read it and I’m so honored. My goal was to bring Advent to everyday life from stories about my boys, myself, family and challenges to be an even better church. This project was a joy to write.

To read along, sign up for the Advent email list.


FAITH IN PRACTICE CLASSES: WORSHIP WITH OTHERS
Thursday, December 5 from 6:30 – 8:30pm
McCausland Site Sanctuary

The Gathering has six shared practices: prayer, worship, grow in groups, serve, give, and invite. In the coming months, Pastors and Staff will lead classes on each of these practices. Whether you're questioning, curious, or committed to Jesus or the church, these classes are for you! This month we will dig deeper into the practice of Worship.

Click HERE to learn more or to sign up.