Christian spirituality is both overwhelmingly communal and intensely personal. As you read slowly and carefully through this book, we encourage you to think deeply about the questions and ideas presented. Following are some questions for discussion in a group, personal reflection, or both.
Chapter 13 – Facing Adversity
* As we seek to contextualize our present adversity, what are some ways in which we can place ourselves in the larger narrative of redemption? What are some of the landmarks that would be useful in helping us place ourselves?
* Are you part of a community that aids you in seeing the long view of adversity? Do you think that such a community is as important as we have stated? Why or why not?
* Take a moment and consider Sarah’s story. Have you been in a similar situation? If so, how did you deal with the internal disintegration that took place? Were you able to resolve it? If a similar situation were to occur again, would you handle it differently? In what ways?
* How can you take some of the ideas drawn from Paul’s letter to the Philippians and flesh them out? What are some of the ways we can depend on God while being responsible for working out our salvation with fear and trembling? Think about this particularly in the face of adversity.
* What are some of the primary places in which you encounter adversity/oppression in your life? Take a moment to consider as well the ways, intentional or unintentional that you may cause adversity for those around you.
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, first and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen
--1 Peter 5:10-11
Suggested Map Reading:
For Further Study:
Pathways to Wholeness, R. Hurding
Embodying Forgiveness, L. G. Jones
Exclusion and Embrace, M. Volf
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