Date: December 14, 2025
Session Title: When Your Circumstances Fall Short
The Point: God’s grace will sustain you through life’s circumstances.
Get Into the Study
Read instead of DISCUSS Question #1:
When life is getting a little too real, it can be difficult to regulate our emotions, thoughts and words. In situations where we are “completely overwhelmed beyond our own strength,” (2 Cor. 1:8) we often gravitate to the thing(s) that provide us comfort.
Some of the most popular options for a pick-me-up are:
- petting a dog
- taking a nap
- cleaning up clutter
- drinking fresh juice or eating fresh fruits and vegetables
- Singing
- exercising outdoors
- chewing gum
- deep breathing
- shopping
These things have been proven to reduce stress, lower cortisol levels and redirect negative thinking to positive thoughts. When our circumstances are more than we can bare, it’s important to find ways to cope.
What is something that you choose for a pick-me-up when your circumstances are challenging?
10 Fast Stress-Busting Pick-Me-Ups
Get Into the Study (Option for Adult Leader Guide)
In advance, play a video clip of an extreme weather event. Be sensitive to those who may have experienced such an event personally Then ask Question #1.
Study the Bible (Option for Adult Leader Guide)
In advance, play the worship song, “Goodness of God” or a similar song about God’s goodness and grace. Either use this as a time of reflection and prayer or invite someone to lead the group in singing it together.
Live It Out
Read after GUIDE, Bullet Point “Encourage Someone Else”:
It can be scary to reach out to someone who is hurting. What if we say the wrong thing? What if they take offense? What if we share our story with them and they reject us? God doesn’t call us to have all the right answers or know the perfect word. He simply asks us to encourage those around us.
If you’re struggling with taking the first step to reach out, here are some ways that you can do just that:
- Pray for them right then and there.
- Write a note.
- Realize the power of showing up.
- Learn people’s love language.
- Send flowers.
- Tell people how they encouraged you.
- Say specific things that you appreciate about the person.
- Gently encourage them that God’s grace will sustain them through life’s circumstances.
When we come alongside someone who is struggling, it can make all the difference. What are some specific ways that you can utilize to encourage someone struggling?
The week’s writer for Extra is Erika Morrison. Erika is the daughter of missionary parents. She lives in Southwest Michigan, where she serves as the executive director of a human services non-profit, and speaks regularly on poverty culture, and having a relationship with Jesus.
Additional Questions
Icebreaker
- What’s the scariest weather event you’ve witnessed or experienced?
- What’s your “happy place” when you need to escape for a bit from tough circumstances?
- What’s the best “pick-me-up” song you listen to when you need a boost?
2 Corinthians 1:8-10. Trying circumstances draw us to rely on God.
- How has God met you in the midst of overwhelming circumstances?
- How do difficulties build our reliance on God?
- Why is it important to be honest with ourselves and others about the hardships we’re facing?
2 Corinthians 12:6-8. Trying circumstances keep us humble before God.
- When have you witnessed someone dealing with a problem that will never go away?
- What biblical characters, stories, or promises could bolster our faith that God is working good through difficulties?
- Why does God allow trying circumstances in our lives?
2 Corinthians 12:9-10. God strengthens us by His grace to endure trying circumstances.
- Why should we be willing to experience apparent weakness in order to experience abundant strength?
- Why do you think God said “no” to Paul’s request?
- How has God’s grace through trying circumstances changed the way you view those experiences?
Bible Studies for Life: Adult Podcast
Click here for a podcast for both the group member and the leader.
Looking for the link to the optional video introduction referred to in the adult leader guide.
NOTE: A video option can be found at BibleStudiesforLife.com/AdultExtra.
Hi Wes, I hope you’re doing well. The promo intro video direct link (around 1min) can be found here: https://bcove.video/48wM2hc — the full introduction to the study (the barcode from the leader guide reference) should take you to longer (3min) version of the study introduction. Please let me know if you have further questions.