Enduring Faith, with Brian Lucas

Enduring Faith, with Brian Lucas Trials and hard times are a part of our story. There is no such thing as a prosperity gospel. It’s not in Scripture. Faith in Jesus doesn’t take away our pain, it doesn’t remove our circumstances and it doesn’t mean we’ll always be happy, healthy and wealthy. It’s not in there. Hard times will either build our faith or if we’re not careful—will destroy our faith. On this episode of Locker Room, Scott is joined by Brian Lucas to share about many trials that he and his wife Jenn have endured together, with God’s help along the way. We hope you’ll be encouraged hearing their story and may identify with some of these same challenges in your own life. -- We’ve kicked off Fight Club at the Nicholasville Campus on Monday nights. If you’re interested in jumping in with us—come on. Go to southland.church/groups, click on the NIC campus, scroll through the Group selections and choose Fight Club to sign up. Want to start or join a Locker Room Men’s Group—go to southland.church/groups, pick your campus and start one or jump into one! LOCKER ROOM DISCUSSION GUIDE What’s the toughest physical or mental activity you’ve ever done that required endurance? (E.g. Boot camp, CrossFit competition, marathon, Tough Mudder, etc.) What did you learn from the experience? How would you define the word “endure” in your own words? What examples come to mind when you think of this word? Read Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4, and 1 Peter 1:6-7. How would you explain the difference between happiness and joy? Do you see tests or trials as an opportunity for growth? Why or why not? Who is someone you know that has been through difficult trials? How have you seen them respond? How has their response encouraged you? Read John 16:33. Hatfield mentioned that hard times will either build our faith or break our faith if we’re not careful. Has there ever been a life event that’s shaken your faith? How did you respond? Psalm 3, Psalm 13, Psalm 22, and Psalm 42 are known as Psalms of lament which means to express true anguish or pain. It should also be noted there’s an entire book of the Bible called “Lamentations.” What’s your default when you’re grieving? (E.g. Angry, depressed, disbelief, etc.) Why do men have the tendency to compartmentalize their grief as part of their human experience? Read Psalm 56:3-4, Proverbs 3:5-6, Isaiah 26:3-4, and Isaiah 41:10. Does trust come to you naturally? Why or why not? Why is it tempting to put our trust in anything other than God? Read 1 Corinthians 10:13 and 2 Corinthians 12:7-9. What’s your initial reaction to these verses? How does this frame your perspective on what it means to have “enduring faith”? Read Psalm 119:49-50 and James 1:12. Who or what do you turn to for comfort or hope during trials? (E.g. God’s Word, family, friends, music, etc.) Why do you believe in the assurance of these outlets? What makes them trustworthy? The vast majority of men have gone through something that’s rocked their world. Have you taken the time to truly process this event and begin to heal from it? If not, reach out to a trusted friend, staff member at your local church, or reputable counselor in your community this week.