God sends trials to get our attention and sometimes He sends trials to humble us. Learn why that's a good thing, and how the Lord uses trials to get us to the place where He can bless us.

DISCUSSION / REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

Discuss how the idea of delayed gratification, as seen in the lives of Biblical figures such as Moses, Daniel, and David, challenges the instant gratification prevalent in our culture today. Can you relate this to Jesus' teachings in Matthew 16:24-27 about taking up our cross?

Read 2 Corinthians 13:5. What's the difference between a believer who stumbles in a trial but is still saved and a non-believer whose lack of sincere faith is revealed by failing a trial?

Review Paul's 'thorn in the flesh' described in 2 Corinthians 12:6-10. How can trials foster humility and dependence on God? Share a trial that humbled you.

How can we be more attentive to God's voice during peaceful times, as C.S. Lewis suggests, to avoid needing the 'megaphone' of pain?

How can we proactively practice the humility described in 1 Peter 5:5-6, which says, "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble"?

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