No Filter Faith

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS:

1. When was a time in your life when something hard ended up shaping you in a positive way later on?

2. Read James 1:2–4. What stands out to you about the idea that trials can produce perseverance and maturity instead of just pain?

3. James says to “consider it pure joy” when facing trials. What do you think he doesn’t mean by “joy”?

4. Which is more natural for you in trials: asking “Why is this happening?” or “What is God doing in me?” Why?

5. “Pain is inevitable. Perspective is chosen.” How have you seen your perspective change the way you experience hardship?

6. Can you think of a season where God developed “staying power” (perseverance) in you?

7. When you’re in a difficult season, what do you tend to turn to first—prayer, advice, distraction, control, or something else?

8. Read James 1:5–6. What does it look like in real life to ask God for wisdom with faith instead of being “double-minded”?

9. How does the promise of the “crown of life” in James 1:12 change or challenge how you view present suffering?

10. Which of the four focus points—perspective, purpose, prayer, promise—do you most need to lean into right now, and what would that look like this week?