In the ShadowsSample

The Bible is full of really important stories. But sometimes when we read these stories of people who lived such a long time ago, we're not sure how their stories relate to our lives today. So let's take one of their stories and see how it relates to your story, and God's story too.

THEIR STORY

Take some notes about the story in today's passage of Scripture.

• Who is this story about? (There might be more than one person!)
• What happens to them?
• What do they learn?
• How is God involved in their story?

YOUR STORY

Now think about your story.

• Who did you relate to most in the story you just read and why?
• Have you ever experienced anything similar to the story you just read?
• How is your story different from the story you just read?
• Have you ever had to learn a similar lesson?
• Has God ever been involved in your story in a similar way?

GOD'S STORY

So what is the story God is trying to tell, both in the story you just read and in the story of your life right now? You can find it if you look for the ways your stories overlap.

NEXT STEPS

• At times, we may not know what to pray for. It's important to ask God to help us overcome doubt and seek positive change. Where have you seen this in your own life?
• What tangible thing can you create that will remind you of God's presence in a situation even when God seems distant?
• Spend time in prayer today about a situation that feels so overwhelming that you don't even know what to ask for. Talk to God about your doubts regarding the situation and how you can gain a different perspective.
• Daily life comes with obstacles and distractions. What does it look like to trust that God is at work when you can't see it—from studying, a breakup, family trouble, or the failing health of someone you care about?
• What's a reminder you can put on your phone or in your room that prompts you to keep praying even when it seems God doesn't hear or nothing will change? How can you incorporate this verse into that?