Doubting God

When You Feel Abandoned by God

Review this week’s message.

Key Scriptures

From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).
Matthew 27:45-46 NIV

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5 NIV

“… and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:20 NIV

This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Hebrews 4:15-16 NLT

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.
1 Corinthians 13:12 ESV

Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered.
Hebrews 5:8 NLT

… or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.
2 Corinthians 12:7 NIV

… fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2 NIV

Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.
Luke 23:46 NIV

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.
2 Corinthians 1:20 NIV

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28 NIV

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us …
Ephesians 3:20 NKJV

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 NIV

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV

Start talking. Find a conversation starter for your group.

On a scale of 1-10, how easy is it for you to remember that God is with you and that He loves you? Talk about why you chose that number.

Start thinking. Ask a question to get your group thinking.

Which part of this message was most impactful for you and why?
What are some differences between asking God “why” and asking Him “what”? Have you experienced this shift in your life?
Talk about a time when you felt loved and seen by God. How can you remember that moment when it’s harder to feel His presence?

Start sharing. Choose a question to create openness.

Read Hebrews 4:15-16. What bold prayers, questions, or concerns do you have for God? How can you approach Him with these things this week?
Share a time when it felt difficult to see God in the middle of your circumstances. How did you seek and trust Him during that time?

Start praying. Be bold and pray with power.

Father, You are loving, good, and close to me. When it feels like You have abandoned us, please remind us that You are near to us. Show us how to bring our questions boldy to You, so that we can know You even more. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Start doing. Commit to a step and live it out this week.

Find one promise in Scripture that you can declare “Amen!” over. Write it down and reflect on it daily this week.
Start the Doubting God Bible Plan using Plans With Friends: www.go2.lc/DoubtingGod
Consider how you could love others by serving on the weekend www.life.church/serving or with a Local Mission Partner www.life.church/localmissions.