“Solitude well practiced will break the power of busyness, haste, isolation, and loneliness.” – Dallas Willard.

It may not seem like it, but there is real value in solitude,  in making time and space to hear from God. We need quiet to tune our ears to the still, small voice of God. We need the type of peace that only comes from quieting our hearts and minds.

There is a difference between solitude and loneliness. Modern life opposes solitude with its non-stop noise and bustle, and many people wrestle with the idea of being alone for any length of time. To be truly healthy, we need to be able to be alone with ourselves—and alone with God to listen to the “still small voice” heard by Elijah. (1 Kings 19:12)

Christians are called to Community; however, the Gospels demonstrate that although Jesus loved to be with people, He also clearly relished the time He spent alone. The Holy Spirit, in the same way, delights in silence and solitude as well as community.

The Holy Spirit is a source of strength, renewal, and restoration for believers. Through faith and surrender to the Spirit, we can experience a fresh infusion of power, joy, and peace, enabling us to overcome weariness and fulfill God’s purpose.  King David experienced the beauty of the Holy Spirit’s work: “Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you” (Psalms 51:11-12). The biblical account of Paul and Silas in prison describes a powerful experience of spiritual refreshment and revival through the Holy Spirit. Despite being beaten and unjustly imprisoned, they prayed and sang hymns, which led to an earthquake that miraculously opened the prison doors and released everyone’s chains. This event, in turn, led to the conversion of the jailer and his household.

We may encounter the Holy Spirit as quiet encouragement to forgive someone, through a persistent nudge to step out in faith, or during an awe-inspiring encounter that changes the course of our lives. Whether we experience the Holy Spirit in subtle or striking ways, the Spirit’s power helps us live out God’s purposes for us.  Hearing the Holy Spirit speak involves recognizing the subtle ways God communicates with believers, often through impressions, nudges, or a sense of peace, rather than an audible voice.

We read many stories in Scripture of those who had profound, life-changing encounters with God in out-of-the-way places like the desert, the mountains, or in the quiet of the night. Away from the distractions of crowds and their contemporaries, they opened their hearts to the Lord and came back to the responsibilities and stresses of their lives, empowered and refreshed.

The Holy Spirit often speaks through an inner witness, a sense of knowing or conviction that aligns with God’s character and Word. We may receive gentle nudges or impressions about what to do, where to go, or what to say, or it may be a sense of peace and harmony that often accompanies the Spirit’s guidance. The Holy Spirit can speak through the circumstances of life, aligning events and situations to guide us, but can only do so when we are silent enough to hear.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does God speak to us?
2. What are some ways the Spirit communicates with us?
3. What role does scripture play in hearing God’s voice?

 Summary: Finding intentional rest involves deliberately setting aside time and space to disconnect from busyness and reconnect with God, allowing for spiritual, mental, and physical refreshment. It’s not just about physical inactivity, but about aligning with God’s rhythm of rest, cultivating peace, and experiencing His presence.

The COVID pandemic forced us to slow down. At a time when the pace of our lives seemed to be accelerating rapidly, the lockdown forced us to slow down suddenly. We found ourselves letting go of some responsibilities and spending more time with God and family. But then the pandemic was over.

 An experiment was conducted in which participants received a mild electric shock. All the participants said they would pay money not to be shocked again. Each person was then left in the room alone for 15 minutes, without their phone or any distractions. Rather than being bored and alone with their thoughts, two-thirds of the participants (who said they would pay money not to be shocked) voluntarily chose to shock themselves rather than to sit there and do nothing. Pretty compelling evidence that we don’t do well with boredom or with rest.

If you study Jesus’ life you will see that He set boundaries for work and rest. In the Gospel of Luke, we read about a busy day. After teaching in the synagogue, and curing a demoniac, Jesus  visits Simon and cures his mother-in-law. Then the passage says, “As the sun went down that evening, people throughout the village brought sick family members to Jesus. No matter what their diseases were, the touch of his hand healed every one” (Luke 4:40).  The next paragraph begins, “Early the next morning …” He left and went to a deserted place. But then the passage says, “The crowds went looking for him, and when they came to him, they tried to prevent him from leaving them.” Jesus stands firm. “I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other towns, too, because that is why I was sent.” So he continued to travel around, preaching in synagogues throughout Judea” (Luke 4:43-44).

Jesus did not ask permission to go, nor did he leave anyone behind “on call,” or even let His disciples know where He was going. Jesus obeyed a deeper rhythm. When the moment for rest had come, the time for healing was over. He would simply stop, retire to a quiet place, and pray.

Silence is hard because everything in our culture, everything in our hearts, and everything in our world pushes us to share our thoughts and express our opinions. Op-eds in the paper, conversations around the water cooler at work, the news media, social media, and other platforms tempt us to voice our opinions, rather than remain silent. Being still is not easy for us in this modern age. It means that we have to stop doing, scrolling, planning, talking, watching, and hashtagging. It means that we cease all activity. It seems unnatural to be still, and there is a tendency to want to fill the silence. To counteract that, we need to be intentional.

Discussion Questions:

1. How can we be intentional in finding rest?
2. How can silence help us hear God’s voice?”
3. What are some ways we can practice silence in our daily lives?

“We all know we need rest from work, but we don’t realize we have to work hard just to rest. We have to plan for breaks. We have to schedule time to be unscheduled. That’s the way life is for most of us. Scattered, frantic, boundary-less busyness comes naturally. The rhythms of work and rest require planning.” – Kevin DeYoung.

In 1964, 17-year-old Randy Gardner, a high school student, broke the world record for staying awake (264 hours). According to NPR, his experiment also demonstrated significant negative effects on cognitive function and mood. Gardner said, “I had a very short fuse on day 11. I remember snapping at reporters. They were asking me the same questions over and over. And I was just — I was a brat.”

There is a consensus that when people don’t get enough rest, they often experience increased irritability and a tendency towards cynicism. Prioritizing rest is vital for maintaining a positive and balanced perspective. The answer is finding rest in Jesus.

In a world constantly buzzing with notifications and overflowing with responsibilities, the simple act of finding rest in Jesus can feel like a big task. We often feel pressured to be constantly productive, fearing that we might miss out or fall behind. But God wants you to release your worries to the One who truly cares for you. It’s your invitation to discover inner peace amidst life’s chaos.

Jesus said that if we come to Him, He will give us rest. And not just any rest but deep, soul rest. Listen to our Savior’s words. “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest”(Matthew 11:28). He gives us rest through faith in Him.

That was the whole point of the Sabbath. God wanted His people to rest and remember. To rest from their labors and to remember that when they were slaves in Egypt, God rescued them. He delivered them, so how could they remember? God wanted His people to focus on and remember His wondrous acts of love and mercy each Sabbath Day. And even today, God still wants us to gather together—to rest and remember.

We need that because life can be a grind, and we need physical and spiritual rest. We need both physical and spiritual rest because God designed us to thrive with both. Physical rest, like sleep and breaks, is essential for our bodies to recover and function properly. Spiritual rest, found in connection with God through prayer, meditation, and spending time in His Word, nourishes our souls and provides peace and perspective. Ignoring either leads to burnout and hinders our ability to live fully as God intends.

By prioritizing both physical and spiritual rest, we honor God’s design for our lives and experience the fullness of His blessings.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does prioritizing physical rest help you be more attentive to spiritual matters and connect with God? 
2. What does the concept of “spiritual rest” mean to you, and why is it important to find rest for your soul? 
3. In what ways can you cultivate a life of “restful trust” and surrender to God’s will? 

“Since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it.—Hebrews 4:1.”   

The word Sabbath means “a day of rest.” This word first appears in Genesis after God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 2:3 says, “And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation.” In the Old Testament of the Bible, we read that God commanded His people to observe the Sabbath day as a reflection of God’s day of rest after He created the universe (Exodus 20:8-11).

God gave His people this holy day of rest so they could recharge and trust that God would provide for them. When Jesus came to earth, He reminded the people that the Sabbath was a gift. In Mark 2:27-28, Jesus tells the Pharisees that man was not made for the Sabbath; instead, the Sabbath was made for man.”Then Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!”

Taking a Sabbath is not something we do because we want to check off something from our to-do list. It is not meant to be an obligation, but to refresh and delight us in what the Lord has provided for us.

But in 2025, rest can seem a bit weird. There always seems to be something that needs to be done even on the Sabbath. Scheduling a whole day of rest seems impractical if not costly. But we prioritize what is important to us.

The idea that setting aside a day to rest completely is not just a commandment but an act of worship where we acknowledge God’s power and authority by surrendering our need to work constantly. Making adjustments to create space for Sabbath is hard, but so worth it.  A chance to rest. An opportunity to trust. An invitation to experience His faithfulness. The Sabbath is a gift we should want to open every week.

When was the last time you took a real Sabbath? Not a Saturday where you didn’t work but still ran errands, not a Sunday morning at church followed by doing the week’s laundry, not five minutes of reading the verse of the day from your Bible app before launching into the workday.  Sabbath rest goes much deeper. The Sabbath is a time to step back from daily routines and actively reflect on our relationship with God, considering how we can better align our lives with His will. Setting aside time for quiet contemplation, prayer, and fellowship with others allows us to experience spiritual renewal and be refreshed for the week ahead.

“God told us to set aside one day out of seven for a very good reason: He knew we needed it. If we work all the time, not only will we wear out physically, but we’ll also neglect our relationship with God” (Billy Graham).

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the Sabbath represent a time to step away from our efforts and rely on God’s work? 
2. How can you intentionally create a space for rest and reflection on your Sabbath day? 
3. How can you incorporate acts of worship and service into your Sabbath?  

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33.

The reality is that the news about the news is bad. And seemingly getting worse. Negative, distressing events captivate us because that’s all there seems to be. There are situations where you can’t help but feel anxious, because things that you could never anticipate would happen do happen.

If you were out of touch for a week or so, you would have returned to a new conflict in the Middle East, where ideological clashes create constant tension. The potential for escalation remains, and a wider regional conflict could have widespread and devastating consequences. Then you would read about LA, where protests and riots have the city reeling. You wonder if humanity is once again on the brink, and you are genuinely worried about how it might affect you, your children, and your grandchildren.

Being “suddenly afraid” when something unexpected happens is perfectly normal. If a deer suddenly runs onto the road, you swerve to miss it, your adrenaline spikes, and you are suddenly afraid. You feel an instant rush of temporary fear. But then, when the deer is safely back in the woods and your car is back on the road, you return to a non-afraid state.

The type of fear we are talking about is different. Fear, in this case, is a way of life. We reach a point where we cautiously welcome life’s joyful moments, but are waiting for the other shoe to drop.  There are certainly things to be worried about.

In Psalm 10, David asks the Lord why it appeared He wasn’t doing anything about the wickedness of the world, or taking control of the cruelty, violence, and injustices that ran rampant through their corrupt society. He questioned why wicked people were allowed to get away with their wrongdoings. David wanted to know when God would step in and do something.

You may feel the same way. Perhaps you are struggling with difficult circumstances and feel as if God is standing far away, or maybe you, too, are frustrated with the direction our world seems to be heading. This is how David felt as well, but in Psalm 10:16-18a, we see his tone change from frustration to hope when he says, “The Lord is king forever and ever! The godless nations will vanish from the land. Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them. You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, …” David took comfort in remembering and believing that God was with him, and in due time, He would prevail.

Life can be worrisome, but even so, you can have peace. Instead of focusing on what could happen, God invites you to focus on what did happen. Colossians 2:15 says, “In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.”

If you are struggling with anxiety about the future, be encouraged. Have peace and take refuge in the One who overcame the world.

Discussion Questions:

1. Reflect on personal experiences: What current events or global issues cause you the most concern or anxiety?
2. Understanding God’s sovereignty: How can understanding God’s control over all circumstances help navigate worries about world events?
3. Seeking peace amidst turmoil: How can the peace of God be experienced amid anxieties about the world? What steps can be taken to nurture that peace?

“At just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords. He alone can never die, and he lives in light so brilliant that no human can approach him. No human eye has ever seen him, nor ever will. All honor and power to him forever! Amen.” – 1 Timothy 6:15-16.

There is a lot of conversation happening about “kings” these days, either in the form of real kings or perceived kings as people. We imagine kings as powerful leaders, wise and just. They have wealth and riches. They have authority and influence. As Christians, we should have a different view: we should be concerned that our country doesn’t have a king because we do need a king, and that king is the King of kings and Lord of lords,  Jesus Christ. Out of every king in history, none can compare to  Jesus. Our Messiah is unlike any other king who has ever lived.

Fundamentally, the idea of Jesus being King of kings and Lord of lords means that there is no higher authority. His reign over all things is absolute and inviolable. God raised Him from the dead and placed Him over all things, “Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. 22 God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.” (Ephesians 1:21–23).

Jesus is the only King whose scepter will never depart from Him, as Genesis 49:10 tells us: “The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from his descendants, until the coming of the one to whom it belongs, the one whom all nations will honor.”

He is the only King who is all-wise: ”For the time is coming,”  says the Lord, “when I will raise up a righteous descendant from King David’s line. He will be a King who rules with wisdom. He will do what is just and right throughout the land. And this will be his name: ‘The Lord Is Our Righteousness.’ In that day Judah will be saved, and Israel will live in safety” (Jeremiah 23:5-6).

He is the only King who rules all the earth: “And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day there will be one Lord—his name alone will be worshiped.” (Zechariah 14:9).

In John 1:9-13, the Bible describes the tragedy of failing to see Jesus for who he truly is, as well as the blessing that comes when we honor Him as King: “The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.”

Every day of our lives, we face the same fundamental question. Who’s wearing the crown? What’s the most important thing in my life? Am I honoring Christ as King? Or is something else king in my life?  There’s only room for one king in our lives, and that king is Jesus.

Discussion Questions:

1. What comes to mind when you hear the title “King” applied to Jesus? How does this differ from your understanding of earthly kings? 
2. In what ways does Jesus’ kingship differ from the expectations or images of power we see in the world around us? 
3. How does recognizing Jesus as King impact your daily life, your decisions, and your perspective on the world? 

“…A time to be quiet and a time to speak.” – Ecclesiastes 3:7.

You are in the middle of a conversation with a group of friends, and suddenly, the words come to a halt. You assume everybody is thinking, but the short pause stretches and then stretches some more. Suddenly, it is awkward. You rewind the conversation to see if you said something wrong. This uncomfortable experience is something many of us would prefer to avoid.

Silence is hard because everything in our culture, everything in our hearts, and everything in our world pushes us to share our thoughts and express our opinions. Op-eds in the paper, conversations around the water cooler at work, the news media, social media, and other platforms tempt us to voice our opinions, rather than remain silent. Being still is not easy for us in this modern age. It means that we have to stop doing things like scrolling, planning, talking, watching, and hashtagging. It means that we cease all activity. It seems unnatural to be still, and there is a tendency to want to fill the silence.

Psalm 46:11 says, “Be still, and know that I am God…” In this verse, God is strongly urging us to be still and silent. Silence isn’t necessarily a command from God, but rather a practice that can foster a deeper connection with the Lord. It’s often seen as a way to quiet the noise of the world and our thoughts, allowing us to hear God’s voice better, whether through intuition, guidance, or a sense of peace. Additionally, silence can be a powerful tool for self-reflection, growth, and discernment.

Our relationship with God is the most important thing in our lives. Just as we need to nurture our relationships with family and friends, we need to nurture our relationship with God. Quiet time helps us do this. During these moments of prayer and spiritual contemplation, we can slow down and connect with God on a deeper, more profound level. We can reflect on God’s Word, ask for guidance in our lives, and discover God’s will for our lives.

In a world that constantly pulls our attention in different directions, taking time to be still and spend time with God helps us stay focused on what is truly important. It gives us a chance to step away from the distractions of everyday life and to refocus our attention on God. Scripture tells us that we need to be still to hear from God. Psalms 37:7 says, “Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.” Psalm  46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” In the silence, we can hear God’s voice speaking to our hearts.

When our minds are constantly filled with outside stimuli, it becomes impossible to make space for the lessons that silence can teach us about God, about ourselves, and His work in the world each day.

Discussion Questions:

1. What does it mean to be silent before God?
2. How can silence help us hear God’s voice?”
3. What are some ways we can practice silence in our daily lives?

“The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.” – Hebrews 1:3.

Have you ever sat back, taking in the chaos around you, and decided that you need to get your life back in order? Most people live their lives at such a fast pace that they barely have time to keep up with life, so it seems natural for us to strive to bring order to chaos. The Bible gives us a clear picture of what a well-ordered life looks like.

Did Jesus live an orderly life when He was here on this earth? Yes, the life of Jesus can be described as well-ordered. While He was often busy and faced many demands, His life was characterized by a deep sense of purpose, intentionality, and alignment with God’s will. He prioritized prayer, retreat, and teaching His disciples, demonstrating a balanced approach to ministry and personal life.

Take a moment to reflect on just how orderly and sustainable our universe is. The fact that the universe has remained this way for untold thousands of years should solidify our faith in Christ more than ever. Hebrews 1:3 tells us that Christ sustains everything by His power. Not only did God create and order it, but He, by the same word, sustains it. Everything has remained in its proper place and orbit, and it will remain that way until Christ comes again.

Jesus created, ordered, and sustained the universe, and created, ordered, and sustained the new life of those who chose to follow Him. The Psalmist in Psalms 119:133 (KJV) says, “Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.” Psalms 37:23-24 (NKJV) adds, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand.” And 1 Corinthians 14:40 says, “But be sure that everything is done properly and in order.”

God has not called us to live our lives in a happenstance manner, but to live our lives in a way that reflects Him. It’s easy to think that a disciplined life is a stiff and burdensome existence, but that is not true. Discipline is a matter of dedication, and it starts from the most minor things, but it builds up to be so much more. It’s not enough to have good intentions about the way we want to live life daily; it’s allowing God to order your life by surrendering your will to His and trusting that His plans are better than your own.

This involves actively seeking God’s guidance through His Word and prayer, recognizing that His path may not always be easy but is ultimately for your good. It’s about acknowledging that God’s wisdom surpasses our understanding and choosing to follow His lead, even when it’s difficult.

Discussion Questions:

1. How would you define a “well-ordered life” in the context of your faith?
2. What does it mean to have a life that is “decent and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40)?
3. What are the key characteristics of a life that reflects God’s design?

“We live, in fact, in a world starved for solitude, silence, and privacy.” – C.S. Lewis.  

C.S. Lewis wrote in The Weight of Glory, “We live, in fact, in a world starved for solitude, silence, and privacy, and therefore starved for meditation and true friendship.” Most of us have grown accustomed to what truly does amount to being “starved” for solitude. We are bombarded by so much noise that solitude is a scarce commodity, and we can’t find enough time to be with our Creator.

Solitude is a spiritual practice. Solitude can seem a little esoteric, or it may just be that many people are simply out of practice with being alone and quiet, both with themselves and with God. However, solitude is essential for maintaining mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

We need solitude for one reason—Jesus needed it. Throughout the New Testament, numerous examples of Jesus going off by Himself to pray are found. Jesus began His ministry with solitude (Matthew 4:1-11). After a long day of ministry, “he went up into the hills by himself to pray” (Matthew 14:23). Before the cross, Jesus goes to Gethsemane with His disciples and says, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.” (Matthew 26:36). Mark 1:35, tells us “Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.”

Jesus, who practiced perfect communion with His heavenly Father while here on earth, still needed to spend time in solitude. Jesus, who was God and man simultaneously, needed time alone. When Jesus was facing His crucifixion, He spent time alone in the Garden of Gethsemane in conversation with His heavenly Father. Solitude is one of the most important and life-giving spiritual disciplines. If we want to hear God, we must practice solitude.

So, how can you practice solitude effectively? First, we need a place where we can spend time with God free from distractions or interruptions. Then, set aside a specific amount of time to spend with God in silence and solitude. It could be two minutes or an hour. Connecting with God in solitude is crucial for spiritual growth, offering a space for introspection, healing, and a deeper understanding of God’s love and purpose. It allows for a quiet contemplation of one’s own life, the nature of God, and one’s place in His story, fostering intimacy and clarity in God’s presence.

The goal of practicing the discipline of solitude is to engage in an extended conversation with God about your life, your relationship with Him, and His perspective on your life together. Your practice is to remove as many distractions as possible so you can give God your undivided attention.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “There is a wonderful power of clarification, purification, and concentration upon the essential thing in being quiet.”

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your current experience with solitude? Do you intentionally seek it out, or do you tend to avoid it? 
2. What are some of the biggest distractions that keep you from experiencing silence and solitude? 
3. How did Jesus model the practice of solitude, and how can His example shape our pursuit of time alone with God? 

“Don’t drink too much wine, for many evils lie along that path; be filled instead with the Holy Spirit and controlled by him. Talk with each other much about the Lord, quoting psalms and hymns and singing sacred songs, making music in your hearts to the Lord. Always give thanks for everything to our God and Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Ephesians 5:18-20.

If you read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, you will probably conclude that living for God can be pretty dangerous based on some of the stories. Job, Joseph, Moses, David, Isaiah, Ruth, Jeremiah, Peter, and many others all faced major trials. The three Hebrews were thrown into a fiery furnace. Daniel spent a night with hungry lions. John the Baptist was imprisoned and beheaded, and Paul was stoned and left for dead.

In the book of Daniel, the faith of Daniel and his friends was tested time and again. Taken from their homeland as young men, they were dropped into a different culture and expected to adapt to their new reality. Yet, despite every difficulty they faced, they never wavered in their devotion to the one true God. When King Darius came to check on him after Daniel’s night with the lions, he asked, “Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions” (Daniel 6:20)? Daniel was able to answer, “My God sent his angel to shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty” (verse 22). What a testimony of God’s power and faithfulness Daniel gave to this pagan king.

There are many modern-day Daniels. No, they weren’t carried away to a strange land or turned a lion’s den into a petting zoo, but they have endured challenging situations. In A Martyr’s Grace, Marvin Newell tells the biographies of 21 Moody Bible Institute alumni who gave their lives for Christ. The book describes where they served and how their legacy and testimony live on in the rainforests, villages, churches, and cities where they died.

A Christ-like response to trials validates what Jesus is accomplishing in a believer’s life. A testimony is your story of how God has transformed your life, and they come in all shapes and sizes. Some are very dramatic, with wild turning points and big “ah-ha moments.”  Others are some are far less so and have a slow build, but they are no less inspiring. Some testimonies may involve great struggles and the story of how Jesus helped them through it. Some may involve a few different incidents that make far more sense after some time and reflection enables you to see the hand of God working in your life.

Trials and tribulations, though challenging, can deepen our understanding of faith, strengthen our character, and provide powerful stories to share as part of our testimonies. James 1:2-4 says, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”

Discussion Questions:

1. What are some practical ways to prepare a testimony that is both authentic and impactful? 
2. How can our trials help make the point when sharing our testimonies?