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What’s one time you faced a really difficult season, and what helped you get through it?

Please read Isaiah 53:1-6 aloud.

     • How does Jesus’ suffering challenge the way we see 
        pain in the world?

Please read Hebrews 4:14-15 aloud.
"Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God."

     • How does knowing that Jesus sympathizes with our 
       weaknesses change the way we approach God in prayer 
       or in suffering?

1 Peter 2:21 GNT
"It was to this that God called you, for Christ himself suffered for you and left you an example, so that you would follow in His steps."

     • In what ways can we practically follow Jesus’ example 
       when we face unfair or difficult situations?

Romans 5:3-5 NIV
"Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit."

    • What does it look like to rejoice in suffering, and how 
       have you seen endurance or hope grow as a result of 
       hard times?

Dear Father, God, our hearts trust in your presence even in our suffering and pain. Thank you that Jesus, our high priest, understands our weaknesses. Help us to see our struggles through the lens of hope that Paul speaks of - knowing that suffering shapes us and draws us closer to you. Give us courage to follow Jesus’ example in hard times, and remind us that your love never fails. We pray all this in Jesus’ precious name. Amen.

Ask God to help you notice how He is shaping your endurance or character. Journal a simple phrase each day or ask how God is inviting you to follow Jesus’ example.

John 10:10-11 TPT
"A thief has only one thing in mind - he wants to steal, slaughter, and destroy. But I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect - life in its fullness until you overflow! I am the Good Shepherd who lays down my life as a sacrifice for the sheep."

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Share one small habit or routine you have that grounds you in the present moment. What do you do to clear or focus your mind?

1 Corinthians 9:22 NLT
"When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some."

     • What are some examples of common ground we often overlook, and how can we actively seek it out?

Romans 15:7 NIV
"Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God."

     • Why is it important to accept people exactly where they are, even if we don’t agree with their current path?

1 Thessalonians 2:8 GNT
"Because of our love for you we were ready to share with you not only the Good News from God but even our own lives. You were so dear to us!"

     • What fears or barriers do we face when we share our own personal stories, and how can we overcome them?

Ephesians 3:20 GW
"Glory belongs to God, whose power is at work in us. By this power He can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine."

    • In what ways can we rely on God’s guidance as we take these steps together?

Heavenly Father, Thank You for calling us to be people who make a difference right now - right where You’ve placed us. Help us to show that we truly care by finding common ground with others, by accepting people as they are, and by having the courage to share the story You’re writing in our lives. Give us eyes to see opportunities to love, ears to hear the needs around us, and hearts that trust You to do what only You can do. May Your Spirit empower us to take risks of compassion, steps of faith, and actions that reflect Your kingdom. Lord, as we go from this place, remind us that we don’t change the world alone-we do it together, and we do it with You. Use us this week to shine Your light in real and practical ways. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Step out in faith - Choose one person in your life you can intentionally care for this week - find common ground, accept people where they are, share a small piece of your story, and pray specifically for God to work in their life.


Philemon 1:6 NIV
“I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.”