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Sermon Discussion Guide - 11/02/2025
God Can Use That:
What if Your Story Isn't a Setback?
Sermon Recap
Joseph’s story in Genesis reminds us that even intentional evil can be met with God’s intentional good: “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Gen. 50:20). Instead of claiming the judge’s seat, Joseph releases vengeance to God, models forgiveness, and provides for his brothers (cf. Rom. 12:19). The big idea: your pain may be the very soil where God grows your calling.
Ice Breakers
- What’s something that seemed like bad news at first but actually worked out great?
- When’s the last time you had to just “let it go” and hope for the best?
- What's your favorite type of candy?
Discussion Questions
- Context: Joseph told his brothers, “Am I in the place of God?” (Genesis 50:19). He didn’t try to get even, he trusted God to handle justice.
- Application: What would it look like for you to let go of control in a situation like that and trust God to take care of it?
- Context: Joseph didn’t pretend nothing bad happened. He said what his brothers did was wrong, but he still forgave them and showed kindness.
- Application: Is there anyone you need to forgive or start praying for this week, even if your feelings aren’t there yet?
- Context: Joseph said, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” (Genesis 50:20) God used a broken story to save lives.
- Application: Where might God be working for good in your life right now, even if you can’t see it yet?
- Context: The sermon asked, “What if your story isn’t the setback you think it is?” God often uses hard seasons to prepare us for what’s next.
- Application: What small step of faith could you take this week that treats your current challenge as preparation instead of punishment?
5. When life feels heavy or uncertain, what helps you keep going and trust that God isn’t done yet?
Context: The cross looked like the end, but God turned it into resurrection. That same pattern - pain to purpose - is what Jesus does in us.
Application: Where do you need to trust that God is still writing your story, and who could walk with you in that?
Prayer
- Make sure to spend time in prayer as a group when you meet.
- Have group members share prayer requests, and pray for them.
- You could have one person pray for all the requests, or each member pray for one person.
- Keep a record of those requests and ask about them on a weekly basis.
Leader Tip
Consider rotating your meeting place. You don't have to have your small group meetings at the same house every week (or even in a house at all). Very often the leader takes on this responsibility, and it can feel like a burden very quickly. Instead, pull out a calendar and ask, "Who wants to have the meeting at their house next week?" Planning your next month of meetings in advance will prompt other members to volunteer their house as a meeting place. When you meet in various members' homes, you get to know each other on a different level. From time to time, try meeting outside of homes - at a park, coffee shop, restaurant, etc.