CoreGroup Guide | Shift Happens Part 4

CoreGroup Guide | Shift Happens - Part 4
Written by Jenny Huffman and Christopher Burford

Welcome

Welcome to the final week of our series Shift Happens: When Life Doesn’t Go As Planned. Over the past three weeks we have talked about the ups and down, the lefts and rights, the starts and stops of this journey we call life. Today we wrap up the series with the story of a man named Joseph, as told in the Old Testament book of Genesis. Joseph was betrayed by his family, sold into slavery, and the victim of several injustices beyond his control. And yet, somehow, Joseph continued to trust in God.

Opening Prayer

God of justice, God of mercy, God of grace. We welcome you into our group today. Thank you for this opportunity to wrestle with the parts of life that feel unfair and unjust; for the opportunity to reflect on the times when we have felt betrayed and alone. We know that you are here with us, God, even in the most difficult of circumstances. Through our conversation today, please open our minds and our hearts to see the places where you are – and always have been – working in our lives and in the world. It’s in your name we pray. Amen.

Ice Breaker

You may be familiar with the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, a favorite of children’s ministry classes, school plays, and even a run on Broadway. This beloved musical is based on the biblical story of Joseph, but it also stars an extravagantly colorful coat that brings much fun and whimsy to the stage. What is the most fun article of clothing you own? Or perhaps, what article of clothing brings you the most joy to wear?

The Head

The story of Joseph has many twists and turns. In the beginning of the story, we learn that Joseph is the favorite son of his father Jacob. This leads his brothers to feel jealous, which results in them selling Joseph into slavery. He is purchased by the captain of Pharaoh’s guard and later falsely accused and imprisoned by the guard’s wife. But through it all, Joseph remained faithful and eventually rose to power, earning the trust of Pharaoh himself as an interpreter of his dreams. Seven years of abundance were followed by seven years of famine, leading Joseph to reconcile with his brothers and reunite with his father. 

You can read the full story of Joseph in Genesis chapters 37-50, but for today we will start at the beginning.

Genesis 37:3-10

• How would you describe the family dynamic in this story? What role does Joseph play?
• Where do you see the start of injustice and betrayal in this passage?
• What is the significance of Joseph’s dreams?
• From what you know about the rest of Joseph’s story, how do we see Joseph’s faithfulness and trust in the long game with God?

For a deeper dive into scripture, read this passage from the New Testament book of Romans. This is a letter written by the apostle Paul to the group of Christ-followers living in Rome. 

Romans 8:18-25

• What does Paul mean by “the coming glory” in verse 18? 
• In what ways have you gotten a glimpse of that coming glory in the here and now?
• As we think about all that is going on in our world today, what are the “labor pains” we are experiencing? Where do you hear the groans of God’s creation?
• A bit later, Romans 8:28 states, “We know that God works all things together for good for the ones who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.” As you look back on the difficult times of life, how do you see God working all things together?

The Heart

Our world today feels overwhelmed with injustices on an epic scale. However, even in our day to day lives we face challenges that seem unfair. Our thoughtful plans and good intentions fall apart in ways beyond our control. How do we persevere through these unexpected setbacks?

• When you face situations that feel unjust, what happens in your body, mind, and spirit?
• Think about a time when you have felt betrayed. How did this experience impact your relationship with God and/or the other people involved?
• How does injustice, unfairness, and betrayal impact your prayer life?
• When life seems unfair, how do you maintain a sense of perspective and long term trust?

The Hands

As we come to the end of the Shift Happens series, spend some time reflecting on the main stories shared over the past four weeks. What stood out to you about each story? What lessons did you learn? What questions do you still have?

Ruth: A story of taking the next faithful step in the aftermath of great loss.
Samson: A story of honestly and humbly surrendering after messing up.
Jeremiah: A story of investing in hope even when faithfulness leads to failure.
Joseph: A story of trusting in the long game in the face of injustice and betrayal.

As time and comfort allow, go around the circle and give each person in the group an opportunity to consider these questions:

• Which story resonated most with your lived experience?
• What support do you need as you continue to wrestle with this shift?
• What is one faithful action you could take to grow in this area?
• How can your CoreGroup be praying for you this week?

Closing Prayer

A prayer from Psalm 90:


Going Deeper

This semester, each CoreGroup guide will include a memory verse that you can learn on your own or together with your group. The recommended memory verse for the Shift Happens series is Isaiah 43:19 from the Common English Bible (CEB): 


Whether you memorized it or not, read through this verse three times together as a group. For those who have the verse committed to memory, try closing your eyes as you recite the scripture together. How does God speak to you through these words?