In the Beginning, Part 35: Divine Protection
Divine protection is no guarantee of a trouble-free life.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing about this message that you found particularly beneficial, insightful, or difficult?
- Read and discuss Genesis 28:10-22. What do you think is going on here? How does this show us the goodness and greatness of God?
- What four promises does God make here? How might we interpret these today? How might our lens differ from a historic Jewish interpretation of this narrative?
- Discuss this statement: “Divine protection is no guarantee of a trouble-free life.” What are the practical implications of this statement for you?
- Consider Jacob’s statement in Genesis 28:16 – “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” Have you ever gone through a season or circumstance where God seemed absent, only to reveal Himself later? What happened?
- In what ways does the western church have a skewed view of true difficulty? What are the implications for how we relate to God?
- “God seems to deal with us in times of solitude.” How have you observed or experienced this?
- Spend some time in prayer for the things you’ve discussed. Give thanks to God that He is always present, even when it feels as though He is not.