Where Was God in the Storm

Where Was God In The Storm

By Richard Smith

July 13, 2025

*NOTICE: The emphasis of our discussion is to see how the Written Word (Bible) and the Spoken Word (Preaching) work together to build up the believer, so when you see WORD in the questions, know it refers to the Scripture and the Sermon.

Recap: Look back for evidence of God’s word reshaping your heart and life.

1. Does anyone have a testimony to share with the group of how you applied last week’s sermon to your life?

Engage:  Look into the Word of God in light of Sunday’s preached sermon.

1. Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 and discuss what stands out in the text.

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word. 

1.  How does the concept of the ‘kingdom of God’ coexisting with the ‘kingdom of the world’ help us understand suffering in our lives?

1. Discuss the concept of being “comforted to comfort others.” How have you experienced this in your own life?

1. In what ways can we prepare ourselves spiritually for the inevitable ‘floods’ of suffering in our own lives?

1. Reflect on the statement: “The kingdom of God is established by God himself choosing to suffer.” How does this shape your understanding of suffering in the Christian life?

Respond: Choose one or two of the following applications of Sunday’s message and commit to it/them this next week.

1. Practicing Prayer:  Commit to praying daily this week for those affected by recent tragedies or natural disasters.

1. Scripture Memorization:  Memorize 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 as a reminder of God’s comfort and our calling to comfort others.

1. Comforting in Action:  Identify one way you can practically support or comfort someone who is currently suffering. Make a plan to act on it this week.

1. Reflection Journal: Reflect on a past suffering in your life. Write down how God comforted you and how you might use that experience to comfort others facing similar challenges.