EXTRA! Ideas for Adults – Life’s Interruptions – When Life Goes Terribly Wrong

Date: October 26, 2025

When Life Goes Terribly Wrong

The Point: Even hard interruptions place us where God can use us.

Get Into the Study

Read after discussing The Bible Meets Life.

Many zoos and aquariums around the world participate in wildlife rehabilitation efforts when animals are sick or injured. In December 2024, eight loggerhead sea turtles were found cold-stunned off Cape Cod. As sea turtles are cold blooded, they rely on warm water to regulate their body temperatures, whereas cold water causes hypothermia and renders them too weak to swim.

These turtles were originally treated at the New England Aquarium before being transported to the Georgia Aquarium, one of the only U.S. facilities with the space and expertise to care for the sea giants. After months of constant care, the turtles were given a clean bill of health and released off the coast of Jekyll Island in March. All eight turtles were fitted with flipper tags to help identify them if re-encountered by researchers in the future. Two turtles, affectionately nicknamed Poblano and Bell, were also given satellite tracking tags to provide data on their movements and give scientists a better understanding of loggerhead migration patterns.

Sometimes the difficult circumstances we face put us in the perfect place for God to use us. While these turtles were severely injured and could have died, they’ve become healthier and will now grant a better understanding of their species. When we struggle with hard times, God can still use us for His glory if we are willing to be used by Him.

Get Into the Study (Option for Adult Leader Guide)

In advance, play a video clip from a zoo. Then ask Question #1.

Study the Bible

Read after discussing question 3.

Erika Kirk, recent widow of Charlie Kirk, spoke at his funeral service September 21 in front of thousands of people in Arizona. Instead of condemning the man suspected of killing her husband, she said that she forgave him because “it was what Christ did and is what Charlie would do.” She continued, saying that Charlie’s mission was to help “save young men,” including the suspected shooter in that grouping.

Following her speech and Charlie’s legacy, many others are saying that they, too, will share Christ because of what Erika shared. Brittany Aldean, wife of country singer Jason Aldean, is one such person. After attending Charlie’s memorial service, she stated that she is inspired to “live like Charlie” because his legacy was “so big.”

When our plans get interrupted, the temptation is strong to give up or lash out. Certainly anger would be expected from Erika toward the man suspected of killing her husband. Instead, she chose to honor God by reflecting the goodness He showed her. We, too, should seek to affirm and reflect what God has done for us when our lives are interrupted, so that we turn people back to Him.

The week’s writer for Extra is Emily Duncan. Emily is a Southern California native who lives in west Georgia with her husband and daughter. God saved her from Wicca when she was sixteen while at a youth retreat. Emily’s a member of Midway Church in Villa Rica and mentors young women as they transition from high school to college.

Additional Questions

Icebreaker

• What’s the most unexpected thing that happened to you this past week?
• When was the last time you watched a sad movie or TV show? How did you respond?
• What’s an unexpected plot twist you’ve experienced in your life?

Genesis 39:21-23. Despite major setbacks we may experience, God can still show His favor to us.

• How does Joseph’s example while in prison equip believers to avoid feelings of hopelessness and despair?
• How has God shown grace to you during setbacks in your life’s journey?
• How does this example challenge you to respond differently in your own difficult situation?

Genesis 40:5-8. God can use us in any situation.

• How can believers affirm God’s goodness even when tragedy strikes?
• How has God used you in unusual situations?
• How has your faith been stretched by difficult conditions?

Genesis 41:10-14. Faithfulness to God, even in trying circumstances, can lead to greater opportunities.

• When has a difficult period in your life prepared you for a greater opportunity?
• When tempted to give in to hard circumstances, how can believers find faith to keep going?
• How has faithfulness in small situations opened the door for larger opportunities in your life?

Podcast

Click here for a 20-minute podcast for both the group member and the leader.