1. REVIEW

In this study we learned that the Holy Spirit wants us to encounter Him as the Comforter. He desires to free us from fear and anxiety. Let’s explore how this study connects with your life.

Conversation starter: What is one key insight that you gained from this study?
________________________________________________________________


2. APPLICATION

A.  Have you ever become distant from God because of your suffering?
___ Yes (What did you think and what did you do?)
___ No  (What did you think and what did you do?)

B. Which one of these 10 distortions about God have you believed?
___ God does not care about me.
___ God will not help me.
___ God does not hear me when I pray.
___ God is too busy to pay attention to my needs.
___ I do not matter to God.
___ God is not loving.  
___ God is not holy.
___ God is not powerful.
___ God is evil.
___ God does not exist.


3. GET DEEPER

A. SHARE FROM YOUR EXPERIENCE

1. Have you experienced the Holy Spirit giving you peace despite your difficult circumstances?
2. Has God used you and your past painful experiences to help people in relevant ways? How?


B. RECONNECT WITH GOD

The Holy Spirit is your Comforter. He wants to encounter you in your pain. If you have become distant from God and want to get closer to Him, pray alone or with another person following these steps:

1. Recognize: If you have felt disappointed with God, tell God how you are truly feeling.
2. Release: Tell God your questions and your requests.
3. Reframe: Tell God what you know is true about Him and commit to trust Him with the outcome.


4. GROUP PRAYER:

Holy Spirit,

a. Thank you for loving me and inviting me to encounter You in deeper ways.
b. I invite You to encounter me into my deepest regrets, my painful memories, and my suffering.
c. Today, I renounce the fears and lies that I have believed about You and commit to trusting You fully.
d. I ask You to give me the peace of Jesus and renew within me hope and joy from Your presence.
e. In Jesus name I pray, Amen!

Helpful Links:

Testimony: Man with no arms and no legs finds life in Jesus: (Nick Vujicic): https://youtu.be/Tl58qufXfYk

Testimony: Daughter overcomes sexual abuse and addiction with Jesus: (Bryn Elliot) https://youtu.be/HJcFQ-7Ybbk

Testimony: Man leaves porn industry and finds Jesus (J. Broome): https://www.iamsecond.com/film/joshua-broome/

Books: Dying to Live: Experiencing God’s Redemptive Power in the Midst of Tragedy, by Bryn S. Elliot.
Books: More than Gold, by Bryan Elliott
Books: Disappointment with God, by Philip Yancey