EXTRA! Concepts for Adults – Threat-Takers: The Journey of Strolling by Religion – Session 4

**EXTRA helps the group plans within the Bible Research for Life chief guides.**

Date: June 22, 2025

David: A Religion That Meets Adversity Head-on

The Level: Religion strikes with confidence in God.

Get Into the Research

Earlier than discussing the opening query, share this story:

Have you ever ever requested, “What now?” or “What’s subsequent?” Confronted with joblessness and with out clear route, Michael and Delane Salkeld requested these questions, and it was by the quiet nudges of religion in God that they discovered route. Simply as many Individuals are coming into mid-life or retirement, the Salkeld’s have been in that place and questioned their function and route.

They took steps to start out and develop an condominium administration enterprise whereas additionally listening to God in launching faith-based charities for folks typically neglected. Beginning with homeless households, underprivileged kids, and refugees in Scottsdale, Arizona, the Salkelds reached out additional to widows and orphans in sub-Saharan Africa the place they collaborated with native church buildings and organizations to offer very important help to communities.

Their new guide God Whispers Are Life Changers describes how God calls atypical folks to hitch Him in His work. The guide challenges readers to look and determine God’s whispers in their very own lives.

Michael: “This guide will not be about us attaining success…It’s about atypical folks realizing that God continues to be talking in the present day, calling every of us to step into God’s function, regardless of the place we’re in life.”

Delane: “God’s whispers are usually not reserved for pastors or missionaries… They’re for anybody keen to hear — whether or not you might be beginning your profession, coming into retirement, or anyplace in between.”

Ask: Was there a time you confronted a significant roadblock in life? Proceed with the Opening Query in Get into the Research.

Data for this put up was gleaned from:
https://www.parawest.com/about-us
https://www.scottsdale.org/neighbors/couple-s-book-discusses-their-global-ministry/article_7475a51f-d811-4526-9b38-bcec06645ad8.html

Research the Bible

Earlier than discussing query #5, use this story for instance of robust religion regardless of adversity.

Attaining success as a three-time Tremendous Bowl champion head coach within the NFL, Joe Gibbs went on to turn out to be a NASCAR workforce proprietor. Recognized for his trademark strict preparation when teaching, he additionally follows that routine as workforce proprietor. His family-owned workforce has collected 5 NASCAR Cup Championship trophies. At 84 years outdated, Gibbs is the third winningest workforce proprietor within the sport’s 77-year historical past. His workforce gained 5 of the primary eight races this season.

However Gibbs has had his setbacks along with his oldest son dying of degenerative mind illness in 2019 and second son dying in his sleep in 2022. “It’s the most excruciating heartbreak {that a} dad or mum can expertise.” [Decision, May 2025, 17] As a powerful Christian, he is aware of he’ll see his sons once more and spend eternity with them. He’s obsessed with sharing Christ and has poured his life into jail ministry and applications to assist troubled youth uncover God’s function for his or her lives.

Gibbs believes that after you’ve given your life to Christ, He empowers you to be a witness for Him. There are folks – household, teammates, enterprise companions, pals – round you who’re taking a look at your life. The way in which you reside your life, particularly in adversity, could be instrumental in bringing folks to Christ and inspiring them to make the choice to observe Him.

Proceed with the query about find out how to have an energetic religion regardless of adversity.

Data from this put up was gathered from:

Carole Waina wrote these Chief Extras. Carole is a retired trainer and veteran author for LifeWay. She loves touring, strolling, biking, studying, and being with household. She and her husband are energetic at First Baptist in Celina, Texas.

Further Questions

Icebreaker

When have you ever skilled an surprising roadblock or detour?
What’s a sporting occasion you’d describe as a “David and Goliath” contest?
When have you ever seen an underdog workforce upsets a extremely favored opponent?
When have you ever gained a contest the place you have been the underdog?
When have you ever had a day the place you felt nearly too busy to wish?

1 Samuel 17:3-8

What are among the methods our fallen world responds to adversity?
How can believers be taught to see adversity as a chance to show their religion?
What kinds of adversity are probably the most tough so that you can reply to by religion?
What’s your first response once you’re up towards a scenario that appears inconceivable to beat?
When have you ever confronted a problem you felt you couldn’t overcome?
Who or what are some giants you’ve confronted in your Christian journey?

1 Samuel 17:32-37

What previous experiences have outfitted you to face present challenges?
What scenario out of your life has God used to construct your religion in His power and talent to behave?
How does God’s faithfulness previously allow you to face challenges in the present day?
What strikes you most about David’s speech on this passage?
What are some experiences in your life which have grown your religion?

1 Samuel 17:45-47

How can believers correctly distinguish between religion in God and religion in ourselves, particularly within the face of adversity?
What do believers learn about God that encourages confidence in Him?
How does a divine perspective assist us exhibit religion within the face of adversity?
How can we discern if we’re merely offended about random irritations in our lives, or standing for what God means for us to face for?
How are you inspired by David’s religion?