AGT Winner | Dustin Tavella

Small Group Guide: Finding Peace in the Midst of Trouble

Opening Question: Share about a time when you faced a significant challenge or trouble in your life. How did you initially respond to it?

Key Takeaways:

1. In this world, we will have trouble, but Jesus promises peace (John 16:33).
2. Our circumstances don’t determine our hope; our relationship with Jesus does.
3. We often try to add Jesus to our lives without making necessary changes.
4. God sometimes uses our troubles to strengthen us and draw us closer to Him.
5. We are called to be like trees planted by water, bearing fruit even in difficult seasons.

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you typically respond to trouble in your life? Do you tend to run to God or to other sources of comfort?
2. Dustin used the analogy of adding kale to an unhealthy diet. How might this relate to how some people approach their faith?
3. Discuss the concept of “welcoming resistance” in our spiritual lives, similar to how we approach physical exercise. How can this mindset change our approach to difficulties?
4. Read Jeremiah 17:7-9. What does it mean to be like a tree planted by water? How can we practically apply this to our lives?
5. Dustin emphasized that our feelings shouldn’t dictate our beliefs. How can we maintain a strong faith when our emotions are fluctuating?
6. How can we, as Christians, “bear fruit” and provide nourishment to others even when we’re going through our own struggles?

Practical Applications:

1. Self-reflection: Take some time this week to identify areas in your life where you might be running to the wrong things for comfort or peace.
2. Prayer focus: Each day, ask God to reveal how He might be using your current challenges to strengthen you or draw you closer to Him.
3. Community action: Identify one person in your life who is going through a difficult time. Think of a practical way to “bear fruit” and encourage them this week.
4. Scripture meditation: Spend time reflecting on John 16:33 and Jeremiah 17:7-9. Write down how these verses apply to your current life situation.
5. Habit evaluation: Choose one habit or relationship in your life that might be hindering your spiritual growth. Make a plan to address it this week.

Closing Prayer: Lord, thank you for the promise of peace in the midst of trouble. Help us to root ourselves deeply in You, the source of living water. Give us the courage to face our challenges head-on, knowing that You are with us and can use all things for our growth and Your glory. Help us to bear fruit even in difficult seasons, that we might be a source of life and hope to those around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.