We all have tough questions. Especially when we watch the news, read the Bible, or try to believe in a good God. In this series, we’ll explore the hardest questions that challenge our journeys of faith. This week we explore the question – does God cause natural disasters?
Discussion Questions for FAQ: The Series Pt 3 | January 20, 2019 | Click here for printable version.
Key Bible Passages: Job 20:25b-29; 42;7; John 9:1-3; Luke 13:1-5
Discussion
- What is something painful you have experienced in the last year or two that does not seem to be the result or consequence of any human action or sinful behavior?
- Have you ever thought that suffering from an accident, illness, or natural cause was really God punishing you for some reason? Why or why not?
- Reread John 9:1-3. Is the perspective of Jesus’ disciples similar to the idea of karma: that the universe (or God) rewards those who do good and punishes those who do bad? Why is this perspective so pervasive, even among followers of Jesus?
- Reread Luke 13:1-5. What do you think Jesus is trying to communicate about sin and judgment? How does his teaching challenge you?
- How can tragedy provoke us to turn to God without assuming it is always a form of God’s specific judgment?
- What new questions does this topic raise for you?
Moving Forward
As a group, lament the accidents, tragedies, and illnesses that touch our lives. Spend some time in prayer naming out loud specific circumstances that grieve your heart or have impacted you personally. Avoid the desire to solve or answer or fully understand these tragedies. Just share them with God.
This week, look for opportunities to turn to God. When you hear about, see, or experience suffering from unexplainable events, pause and turn your heart to God. Pray to him, lament, and ask for his mercy and presence in your own life.
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