1 When God is Silent Leader s Guide

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2 1 When God is Silent Dear Small Group Leader, Welcome to our study When God is Silent. I am grateful that Pastor Ian is willing to share from his personal experience of God s silence. Please pray for him as he leads us! I am also grateful that you have decided to engage in this study beyond the Sunday morning experience. I really believe that God will use this in our church family to help us better understand and to equip us for those times when God is silent. In this leader s guide you ll find everything you need to lead your group: - A list of supplies needed and supplies we will provide - An overview of the study along with links to the extra material needed - A detailed guide to each week s study. I ve might have provided you with more questions than you can get to. That s ok. Feel free to skip a question for the sake of time. I will be praying for you as you lead and your group as they engage with this topic! Please let me know if there are ways I can further support your leadership! In Christ, Jeremy

3 2 When God is Silent Supplies: The leader will supply: 1) An internet connection that can be connected to a TV (our preferred method). OR 2) A DVD player connected to a TV. 3) Access to Additional Material 4) Space to meet 5) A snack (you can delegate this to the group) We will supply you with: 1) All the content via video. You will have to facilitate some discussion but will not have to teach (unless your technology fails). 2) A leader s guide 3) Participant guides a. Through the church app b. Hard copies 4) Support if you have any questions or need any help, please let us know! a. Jeremy.light@efreelethbridge.ca b. Don.bergen@efreelethbridge.ca c Each participant should have: 1) A Bible 2) A copy of the participant guide (hard copy or on their mobile device).

4 3 When God is Silent Overview: There are times in our lives when God s activity and presence are obvious. But there are other times when God is silent and we assume he is absent. The story of Joseph shows us that when God is silent, he is not absent; when he is most hidden, he may be most at work. Week 1: Screaming into the Silence Psalm 77 Psalms of Lament invite us to protest God s silence and express our hurt and doubt. When God is silent, Psalm 77 gives us language to be completely honest with God. Additional Material: Tyson Motsenbocker In Your Name a. YouTube: b. Google: c. Sound cloud: d. You can also purchase it through i-tunes. e. Or through the additional materials link on the app Week 2: Can You Hear Me? Genesis 37 2 Kings 6:15-18 Joseph was betrayed by his family and abandoned by God. Jesus was also betrayed by those closest to him and forsaken by God. When God is silent, we can trust we have an advocate who understands. Additional Material: Matt Maher You Were on the Cross [link] a. YouTube: b. Sound Cloud: f. Purchase it through i-tunes or google music g. Access it through the additional materials link on the church app. Week 3: Is God Mean? Genesis 39 Joseph does everything right but still ends up in jail. What is God doing? Why does he seem to set us up? When God is silent, God still has a plan and is fulfilling his dream. Additional Material: Rich Mullins Playing Hard to Get [link] a. YouTube: b. Purchase it through i-tunes or google music c. Access it through the additional materials link on the church app.

5 4 When God is Silent Week 4: God s Silent Work Genesis 45:1-9 Hebrews 12:4-11; Esther 4:12-14; 1 Corinthians 1:3-7; Genesis 12:1-3; Revelation 7:9-17 When God is silent we should look inward to see what God might want to prune from our lives, look out to see how he might be using us to fulfill his dream for all creation, and look up in trust that God is good, God is in control, and that God loves us very much. Week 5: A Glimpse from God s Perspective Genesis 50:15-21 Romans 8:28; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Hebrews 11:22; Genesis 50:24-25; Psalm 77 When God is silent we might be tempted to step into God s place. God doesn t call us to be optimists or pessimists but to see things from his perspective. Additional material: Youtube video Perspective downhere Calmer of the Storm a. Youtube: b. Sound Cloud: c. Purchase it through i-tunes or google music d. Access it through the additional materials link on the church app

6 5 When God is Silent Week 1 Screaming into the Silence Preparation: 2. Test your technology to ensure it works. 3. Have Tyson Motsenbocker In Your Name cued up and ready to play. a. YouTube: b. Sound cloud: c. Purchase it through i-tunes or google music 4. Access it through the additional materials link on the church appread through the passages listed. 5. Pray! Bible passage(s) referenced: Psalm 77 Video Overview: Leaders, your parts will bold-italicized just like this. CUE gives you the line just before you press Pause so you are ready. Part 1: Pastor Ian opens with a welcome and his hopes for the study: 1) We will have language to express our hurt, frustration, and doubt with appropriate language 2) We will recognize that when God is silent, he is not absent. 3) We will learn the importance of being in community with other disciples of Jesus. Pastor Ian encourages each person to engage in the group and with the material. He opens the study in prayer. Press PAUSE Small Group Interaction: Read through the ground rules for small groups. Feel free to add others you agree on as a group. NOTE: You will lead this section but you don t have to read all the rules yourself. If there are new people to your group, make sure to take time for introductions first. GROUND RULES FOR SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION: SAFE GROUP: We will all do our part to create an environment where everyone can be real, open, and honest with their struggles and victories. CONFIDENTIALITY: What is said in the group stays in the group. LISTEN: We will show honour to each other by really listening to what is being said. We will try to avoid thinking about how we will respond or what we will say next before the other person is done talking.

7 6 When God is Silent PAUSE: We will allow for pauses in the conversation as it gives an opportunity for someone to share and for members in the group to process the question or topic. We will not be afraid of silence. NO CROSS-TALK : We will not hold side conversations, especially when someone else is sharing. NO FIXING : We are not here to fix each other. We recognize that only Jesus does that. We will encourage each other, speak the truth, and point to Jesus. We will not try to solve or fix each other. NO RESCUING : We will resist the temptation to make people feel better about themselves by immediately offering condolences or excuses after they share something deeply personal. BE SELF-AWARE: We will be aware of how we are personally affecting the environment through our verbal and nonverbal communication. We will be sensitive about how much or how little we are sharing. USE I STATEMENTS: I will resist the temptation to talk about others. I will risk being vulnerable with the group. I will use I statements rather than them, the church, us, or we. CONFLICT We commit to resolving any conflict biblically. We will not lose sight of the glory of God and the honour the other person deserves as someone who is created in God s image for whom Jesus died. (Ask the group) Are there any other ground-rules you think we should add to this list? Facilitate the discussion. Resist the temptation to add a rule just because one person brings it up. Invite the feedback and input of the whole group. (Ask the group) What are your expectations or hopes for this study? NOTE: Get everyone in the group to share. This will help break the ice for later discussions. Part 2 Psalms of Lament give us permission to express our deep hurt and doubt to God. Psalm 77 is a Psalm of Lament. It s written by a man named Asaph. Read the first nine verses and talk about it for a few minutes. Ask someone to read Psalm 77:1-9 Who does the psalmist hold responsible for his current experience? Why do you think remembering God (v.3) doesn t bring him comfort? What aspects of God s character does the psalmist question (v.7-9)? What about this psalm, so far, most resonates with you?

8 7 When God is Silent Part 3 Psalm 77 is unique among the Lament Psalms because it tells us what caused Asaph s perspective shift. As you do so, notice Asaph s commitment in v.10-12, his expression of trust and praise in v.13-15, and the cause of his attitude change in v Go ahead and read those verses now. Ask someone to read Psalm 77:10-20 Asaph reflects on God s mighty work in rescuing Israel from Egypt. Why do you think remembering this helps Asaph trust God in the present? What miracles of long ago and mighty deeds in the past help you trust God in the present? Part 4 An introduction to Tyson Motesnbocker and his modern day psalm of lament. Tyson accepts Asaph s invitation to be totally honest with God. So, as you listen to Tyson s lament in light of Asaph s psalm, I want you to think about what your soul needs to say to God. Play: Tyson Motesenbocker s In Your Name a. YouTube: b. Sound cloud: c. Purchase it through i-tunes or google music d. Access it through the additional materials link on the church app. Lyrics: In Your Name You were loudly living On your final ninety pounds Crosslegged on the south porch With a bible in your hand And when I prayed for healing My father's words rang through the door Son I don't think Jesus is in business Of healing anymore

9 8 When God is Silent Well maybe he is occupied with other people's wars Or he's organized militia to fight the war on Christmas Or maybe he's protecting our children from the gays Who have promised to destroy this utopia we've made In His name In His name In His name The early fathers writing To build a younger church up tall Saying faith without the action isn't anything at all I know perspective isn't static Between what I see and what you do But if you choose to stand by idly, then what does that make you? Well I hear that you've been speaking through the man on the tv And you've helped the Dallas Mavericks with their field goal percentage So when my mother's doctor calls again with more bad news It's an honest heart's reaction - who, my God, have you been listening to? In His name In His name In His name Part 5 There are three keys to lament: 1. Honesty 2. Time 3. Trust If your heart is desperate, then express your desperation honestly. Even when he is silent, we can trust he is good and he is listening.

10 9 When God is Silent Say: We are going to take a moment to write our own psalms the honest expressions of our heart to God. They don t have to be long. Pray to end. [after a few moments] Would anyone be willing to share what they wrote? NOTE: Indicate that you will go first and then invite others to follow you. Don t be afraid of silence. Let it the silence last as long as you can stand and then wait 15 more seconds!

11 10 When God is Silent Week 2 Can You Hear Me? Preparation: 2. Test your technology to ensure it works. 3. Have Matt Maher s You Were on the Cross cued up and ready to play. a. YouTube: b. Sound Cloud: e. Purchase it through i-tunes or google music f. Access it through the additional materials link on the church app. 4. Read through the passages listed. 5. Pray! Bible passage(s) referenced: Genesis 37 2 Kings 6:15-18 Video Overview: Leaders, your parts will bold-italicized just like this. CUE gives you the line just before you press Pause so you are ready. Part 1: Pastor Ian reviews his goals for this series and the ground rules for a safe small group. Ground Rules for Small Group Discussion: SAFE GROUP: We will all do our part to create an environment where everyone can be real, open, and honest with their struggles and victories. CONFIDENTIALITY: What is said in the group stays in the group. LISTEN: We will show honour to each other by really listening to what is being said. We will try to avoid thinking about how we will respond or what we will say next before the other person is done talking. PAUSE: We will allow for pauses in the conversation as it gives an opportunity for someone to share and for members in the group to process the question or topic. We will not be afraid of silence. NO CROSS-TALK : We will not hold side conversations, especially when someone else is sharing. NO FIXING : We are not here to fix each other. We recognize that only Jesus does that. We will encourage each other, speak the truth, and point to Jesus. We will not try to solve or fix each other. NO RESCUING : We will resist the temptation to make people feel better about themselves by immediately offering condolences or excuses after they share something deeply personal. BE SELF-AWARE:

12 11 When God is Silent We will be aware of how we are personally affecting the environment through our verbal and nonverbal communication. We will be sensitive about how much or how little we are sharing. USE I STATEMENTS: I will resist the temptation to talk about others. I will risk being vulnerable with the group. I will use I statements rather than them, the church, us, or we. CONFLICT We commit to resolving any conflict biblically. We will not lose sight of the glory of God and the honour the other person deserves as someone who is created in God s image for whom Jesus died. Ok, now that we ve taken care of those details, I m going to hand it over to your hosts to check in and get things started. What was one highlight and one low-light from your week? NOTE: Have everyone in the group answer this question. This breaks the ice for further participation. If there are new people who have joined your group, make sure you take time for introductions. Would someone please open in prayer? Part 2 We all have a strong sense of fairness and justice. The story of Joseph contains a lot things that are not fair. Second, I want you think about who you most identify with in the story. And why do you identify with them? Go ahead and read the passage now. Read: Genesis 37 Who do you most identify with in this story? Why? NOTE: This question is for everyone in the group. What examples of unfairness or injustice do you see? Part 3 Not only do Joseph s brothers ignore his begging, it seems like God ignores Joseph as well. This is more troubling because, at another time but in the same location, God responds to someone else s cries for rescue.

13 12 When God is Silent Eventually the King of Aram figures out what s going on, discovers Elisha is in Dothan, and sends his armies to capture him. I want you to read the passage and see what happens next: Read: 2 Kings 6:15-18 Has there been a time when God responded to your cry for help in what seemed like an impossible situation? Part 4 We know the end of Joseph s story. But Joseph does not. All he has are his dreams. If you could travel back in time and visit Joseph in the pit, what would you say to him? If you were Joseph in the pit and God revealed his plan to you, how would you respond? Why do you think God often doesn t let us in on his plans when we re in the middle of hardship? Part 5 It doesn t always help to know what God s plan is because we also know that God could accomplish his plan another way. Jesus understood this when he prayed My father, if it is possible, take this cup of suffering away from me. Matt Maher talks about this reality in his song You Were On The Cross. Listen to it together. Play Matt Maher s You Were on the Cross a. YouTube: b. Sound Cloud: g. Purchase it through i-tunes or google music h. Access it through the additional materials link on the church app. Lyrics: You Were on the Cross Lost, everything is lost And everything I've loved before is gone Alone like the coming of the frost And a cold winter's chill in my stony heart

14 13 When God is Silent And where were You when all that I've hoped for? Where were You when all that I've dreamed? Came crashing down in shambles around me You were on the cross Pain, could you take away the pain? If I find someone to blame, would it make my life seem easier? Alone, all my friends are asleep And I can't find anyone to stay awake with me Where were You when sin stole my innocence? Where were You when I was ashamed? Hiding in a life I wish I never made You were on the cross, my God, my God, all alone, all alone You were on the cross, You died for us, all alone, all alone You were on the cross, victorious, all along, all along You were there in all of my suffering And You were there in doubt and in fear I'm waiting on the dawn to reappear How does meditating on the events of Jesus crucifixion help when we feel abandoned? Pray to close. What are some ways we can encourage people in our lives who feel alone, betrayed, and abandoned? In your guide, write down one thing you are going to do to encourage someone this week. Would anyone be willing to share their action step?

15 14 When God is Silent Week 3 Is God Mean? Preparation: 2. Test your technology to ensure it works. 3. Have Rich Mullins Playing Hard to Get cued up and ready to play. a. YouTube: b. Purchase it through i-tunes or google music c. Access it through the additional materials link on the church app. 4. Read through the passages listed. 5. Pray! Bible passage(s) referenced: Genesis 39 Video Overview: Leaders, your parts will bold-italicized just like this. CUE gives you the line just before you press Pause so you are ready. Part 1 Ian reviews the reasons for doing this as part of a group. So, before we go any further, why don t you take a moment to celebrate and pray with each other? Review the Small Group Ground Rules Ground Rules for Small Group Discussion: SAFE GROUP: We will all do our part to create an environment where everyone can be real, open, and honest with their struggles and victories. CONFIDENTIALITY: What is said in the group stays in the group. LISTEN: We will show honour to each other by really listening to what is being said. We will try to avoid thinking about how we will respond or what we will say next before the other person is done talking. PAUSE: We will allow for pauses in the conversation as it gives an opportunity for someone to share and for members in the group to process the question or topic. We will not be afraid of silence. NO CROSS-TALK : We will not hold side conversations, especially when someone else is sharing. NO FIXING : We are not here to fix each other. We recognize that Jesus does that. We will encourage each other, speak the truth, and point to Jesus. We will not try to solve or fix each other. NO RESCUING :

16 15 When God is Silent We will resist the temptation to make people feel better about themselves by immediately offering condolences or excuses after they share something deeply personal. BE SELF-AWARE: We will be aware of how we are personally affecting the environment through our verbal and nonverbal communication. We will be sensitive about how much or how little we are sharing. USE I STATEMENTS: I will resist the temptation to talk about others. I will risk being vulnerable with the group. I will use I statements rather than them, the church, us, or we. CONFLICT We commit to resolving any conflict biblically. We will not lose sight of the glory of God and the honour the other person deserves as someone who is created in God s image for whom Jesus died. Where have you seen God at work in your life or your world this past week? Where has God seemed to be silent in your life or your world this past week? Would someone please open our time in prayer? Part 2 Our justice system is at least partly built on two principles: Do the crime, do the time; and the punishment should fit the crime. These ideas show up in other areas as well: good things should happen to good people. Sometimes honesty costs! Take a moment as a group and talk about other ways we re-inforce this formula that, upon further reflection, are actually dishonest. What other phrases or ideas do we pass on that reinforce the idea that you get rewarded for doing good? Has there ever been a time when you did what was right but it didn t pay? Part 3 The story of Joseph is proof that good things don t always happen to good people. Whatever you think about Joseph s teenage behaviour and his brothers reaction, everyone agrees that in Genesis 39 Joseph did everything right and he was still punished. Let s pick up the story there.

17 16 When God is Silent Read Genesis 39 Four times the passage says the Lord was with him (v.2, 3, 21, 23). Do you think Joseph knew the Lord was with him? Why or why not? How do you think Potiphar knew the Lord was with Joseph (v.3)? The chapter ends the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did. What do you think about that in light of Joseph s circumstances? Part 4 When we get punished for doing what s right, we might be tempted to give up. Joseph does not give up. But Joseph doesn t give up. Even in jail, Joseph continues to serve God by using his abilities and power to benefit others. What do you think kept Joseph going even when he was in jail? In Psalm 77, the psalmist considers God s mighty acts. Other psalms point to God s promises. What mighty acts or promises might have Joseph meditated on to keep the faith? What keeps you going when you are tempted to despair? Part 5 Knowing that God has a plan is helpful but doesn t answer the question why God chooses to accomplish his plan in this way. Rich Mullins addresses these questions in his song, Playing Hard to Get. I want you to listen to this song together. Let the words resonate with you. Play: Rich Mullins Playing Hard to Get a. YouTube: b. Purchase it through i-tunes or google music c. Access it through the additional materials link on the church app.

18 17 When God is Silent Lyrics: You who live in Heaven Hear the prayers of those of us who live on earth Who are afraid of being left by those we love And who get hardened by the hurt Do you remember when You lived down here? Where we all scrape to find the faith to ask for daily bread Did You forget about us after You had flown away? Well I memorized every word You said Still I'm so scared, I'm holding my breath While You're up there just playing hard to get You who live in radiance Hear the prayers of those of us who live in skin We have a love that's not as patient as Yours was Still we do love now and then Did You ever know loneliness, did You ever know need? Do You remember just how long a night can get? When You were barely holding on and Your friends fall asleep And don't see the blood that's running in Your sweat Will those who mourn be left uncomforted While You're up there just playing hard to get? And I know You bore our sorrows And I know You feel our pain And I know it would not hurt any less Even if it could be explained And I know that I am only lashing out At the One who loves me most And after I figured this, somehow All I really need to know Is if You who live in eternity Hear the prayers of those of us who live in time We can't see what's ahead And we can not get free of what we've left behind I'm reeling from these voices that keep screaming in my ears All the words of shame and doubt, blame and regret I can't see how You're leading me unless You've led me here Where I'm lost enough to let myself be led

19 18 When God is Silent And so You've been here all along I guess It's just Your ways and You are just plain hard to get What are some other stories in the Bible like Joseph s? Why do you think God works in such mysterious ways? What lines or ideas from the song resonate with you? Say: What do you need to say to God in response? Take a moment and write it on your outline. Close in prayer

20 19 When God is Silent Week 4 God s Silent Work Preparation: 1. Test your technology to ensure it works. 2. Read through the passages listed. 3. Pray! Bible passage(s) referenced: Genesis 45:1-9 Hebrews 12:4-11 Esther 4: Corinthians 1:3-7 Genesis 12:1-3 Revelations 7:9-17 Video Overview: Leaders, your parts will bold-italicized just like this. CUE gives you the line just before you press Pause so you are ready. Part 1 We are getting to the end of Joseph s story and will start to see that when God was silent, we was still at work. If someone misses something important, you ll have an opportunity to re-visit it after the group has rebuilt the story. But before you do that, let s open in prayer. Say: Would someone please open us in prayer? We are going to review Joseph s story so far. I ll start and then I ll assign one of you to continue the story. If we miss anything, we ll have a chance to go back and fix it after. Does everyone understand? Joseph was the favourite son in a large family. To demonstrate his feelings, his dad gave him a robe that marked him as special. Joseph s brothers didn t share their father s feelings. Ok, what happened next? NOTE: Allow people to fill in short sections of the story. Don t worry if something gets left out. After the story has been rebuilt Ok, did we miss anything? Where do you see God s hand in Joseph s story up to this point? What parts of Joseph s story most resonate with you? Why?

21 20 When God is Silent Part 2: God had a dream for Joseph s life. Eventually he revealed the dream to Joseph and, through Joseph, to his family as well. Eventually, Joseph reveals himself and God s plans to his brothers. We read the record of this conversation in Genesis 45. Please read that passage in your groups. Read Genesis 45:1-9 Joseph doesn t reveal himself right away (see Genesis 42-44). Why not? Note: If your group is stuck, look at Genesis 44 paying special attention to Judah s response in vv What has changed in their response to Jacob playing favourites? According to Joseph, what were God s intentions in getting him to Egypt? Part 3: When God is silent, we should look in to see if God is pruning us or exposing a dependency on false gods. There are lots of verses in the Bible that talk about this. Let s start with Hebrews 12: Read Hebrews 12:4-11 What are the purposes of discipline according to this passage? What assurance does God s discipline give us (vv. 6, 8)? Why is it so difficult to remember this when we face hardship? Part 4: Discipline is not always punishment. It is often training. When God is silent, we should look out and remember God s dream and purpose for his creation. But Esther is rightfully reluctant because to come uninvited into the king s presence could result in her execution. Read Mordecai s response in Esther 4.

22 21 When God is Silent Read Esther 4:12-14 How would you summarize Mordecai s response in your own words? Can you think of other people in the Bible who endured hardship or were placed in positions of power for the good of others? Read 1 Corinthians 1:3-7 What is God s purpose for Paul s distress? What is God s purpose for Paul s comfort? How has God used your own experiences and position for the benefit of others? Part 5: When God is silent, we should look up in patient trust. We do know God s dream and purpose for creation and for our lives. Our lives are meant to contribute to God s dream and mission for his entire creation. Let s look at a couple passages that remind us of God s dream and mission for his creation. Read Genesis 12:1-3 What did Abraham have to endure to get God s blessing? What was the ultimate purpose of God s blessing? Read Revelation 7:9-10, How does this fulfill the dream God revealed to Abraham? Part 6 We should pray your kingdom come and be ready to join God in bringing his kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. So let s ask God to let his kingdom come through us and imagine how he might use us to bless others. Remember, it might take a decade or more to see the results.

23 22 When God is Silent Say: Take some time to answer the questions in the journal portion of your guide. Would anyone be willing to share something they wrote down? Close in prayer

24 23 When God is Silent Week 5 A Glimpse from God s Perspective Preparation: 2. Test your technology to ensure it works. 3. Have this video cued up to play: 4. Have downhere s Calmer of the Storm cued up and ready to play. a. Youtube: b. Sound Cloud: c. Purchase it through i-tunes or google music d. Access it through the additional materials link on the church app 5. Read through the passages listed. 6. Pray! Bible passage(s) referenced: Genesis 50:15-21 Hebrews 11:22 Genesis 50:24-25 Romans 8:28 & 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Psalm 77 Video Overview: Leaders, your parts will bold-italicized just like this. CUE gives you the line just before you press Pause so you are ready. Part 1: Ian welcomes us and opens in prayer. Changing our perspective can change everything. It s amazing what a slight change in perspective can do, isn t it? Looking at something from a different angle can change our whole understanding. Take a look at this video to see the difference a shift in perspective can make: Play the YouTube Video: Part 2: Perspective shifts aren t just physical. New information can cause us to see something in a different way. Share some stories with each other of a time when you re perspective on something shifted.

25 24 When God is Silent Describe a time when you saw something from a different angle or perspective. How did that affect you? How has Joseph s story so far shifted your perspective? How has it made a difference in the way you see God s silence? Part 3: At some point, Joseph began to understand his life from God s perspective and that changed how he saw his experiences. We re going to pick up the story just after Jacob, Joseph s father, has died. Joseph and his brothers carried Jacob s body to Canaan their homeland where they buried him and then they returned to Egypt. Read Genesis 50:15-21 What does the brothers fear say about their perspective on Joseph s character? What changed, if anything, from the time Joseph first shared his dreams with them? Why do you think Joseph wept (v.17)? How do you think seeing things from God s perspective could change our perspective on other people? Part 4: Joseph could have used his power and position for his own advantage but he refuses to take God s place. When God is silent it s tempting to take his place. When it seems like no one is in charge, it s tempting to step up and try to take control. When are you tempted to take God s place? What are some potential results of taking God s place? What prevents Joseph from stepping over the boundaries of his authority? What might help you fight the temptation to take God s place?

26 25 When God is Silent Part 5: God doesn t call us to be pessimists or optimists. He invites us to see things from his perspective. Tim Keller says that seeing things from God s perspective will lead us to recognize that life is hard, and people are fallen, but God is good. We see this in Joseph s response: You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good Where do you fall on the spectrum? More optimistic? More pessimistic? Think of a recent situation you faced. How would having God s perspective have helped you navigate that situation? Read Romans 8:28 and 1 Thessalonians 5: How would a pessimist understand these verses? An optimist? How does God s perspective inform your understanding? Part 6: You might be thinking, It s easy for Joseph to have a glimpse from God s perspective. We know how his story ends. That s only partially true. Sure we see how God intervened to bring Joseph to his position of power but that s not the end of the story it s only a glimpse of God s whole purpose. Read Hebrews 11:22 and Genesis 50: What was Joseph s hope? What do you think gave Joseph faith that his hope would be fulfilled? What is our ultimate hope? How do we have faith that God is able to use even our trials and shadowy paths to achieve that hope?

27 26 When God is Silent Part 7: Introduction to downhere s Calmer of the Storm God is still good. God is still in control. And God still loves you more than you can ever understand. Play: Calmer of the Storm downhere a. Youtube: b. Sound Cloud: c. Purchase it through i-tunes or google music d. Access it through the additional materials link on the church app When everything is wrong The day has passed and nothing's done And the whole world seems against me When I'm rolling in my bed, there's a storm in my head I'm afraid of sinking in despair. Teach me, Lord to have faith In what you're bringing me will Change my life and bring you glory There on the storm I am learning to let go Of the will that I so long to control There may I be in your arms eternally I thank you, Lord, you are the calmer of the storm. You rebuke the wind and the waves Once again I find I'm amazed, the power of your will 'Cause I'm a child of little faith I feel the wind and forget your grace And you say, "Peace, be still." Teach me, Lord to have faith In what you're bringing me will Change my life and bring you glory

28 27 When God is Silent There on the storm I am learning to let go Of the will that I so long to control There may I be in your arms eternally I thank you, Lord, you are the calmer of the storm. And oh, when a torment blows The middle of the sea May I have never trust, never trust in me 'Cause There in your arms I find no tragedy There on the storm I am learning to let go The white waves high, it's crashing over the deck And I don't know where I go Where are you Lord, is this ship going down? The mast is gone so throw this anchor Should I jump and try to swim to land? There on the storm, teach me God to understand Of your Will that I just cannot control There may I see all your love protecting me I thank you Lord, you are the calmer of the storm. Re-read Psalm 77 with Joseph s story in mind. How has this study changed your perspective on God? On trials? Close in prayer How would you finish this sentence: When God is silent? Note: Encourage everyone in the group to participate. Encourage people to finish the sentence more than once.