EXTRA! Ideas for Adults – Risk-Takers: The Adventure of Walking by Faith

**EXTRA supports the group plans in the Bible Studies for Life leader guides.**

Date: June 22, 2025

David: A Faith That Meets Adversity Head-on

The Point: Faith moves with confidence in God.

Get Into the Study

Before discussing the opening question, share this story:

Have you ever asked, “What now?” or “What’s next?” Faced with joblessness and without clear direction, Michael and Delane Salkeld asked those questions, and it was through the quiet nudges of faith in God that they found direction. Just as many Americans are entering mid-life or retirement, the Salkeld’s were in that position and questioned their purpose and direction.

They took steps to start and grow an apartment management business while also listening to God in launching faith-based charities for people often overlooked. Starting with homeless families, underprivileged children, and refugees in Scottsdale, Arizona, the Salkelds reached out further to widows and orphans in sub-Saharan Africa where they collaborated with local churches and organizations to provide vital support to communities.

Their new book God Whispers Are Life Changers describes how God calls ordinary people to join Him in His work. The book challenges readers to search and identify God’s whispers in their own lives.

Michael: “This book is not about us achieving success…It’s about ordinary people realizing that God is still speaking today, calling each of us to step into God’s purpose, no matter where we are in life.”

Delane: “God’s whispers are not reserved for pastors or missionaries… They are for anyone willing to listen — whether you are starting your career, entering retirement, or anywhere in between.”

Ask: Was there a time you faced a major roadblock in life? Continue with the Opening Question in Get into the Study.

Information for this post 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

Study the Bible

Before discussing question #5, use this story as an example of strong faith despite adversity.

Achieving success as a three-time Super Bowl champion head coach in the NFL, Joe Gibbs went on to become a NASCAR team owner. Known for his trademark strict preparation when coaching, he also follows that regimen as team owner. His family-owned team has collected five NASCAR Cup Championship trophies. At 84 years old, Gibbs is the third winningest team owner in the sport’s 77-year history. His team won five of the first eight races this season.

But Gibbs has had his setbacks with his oldest son dying of degenerative brain disease in 2019 and second son dying in his sleep in 2022. “It is the most excruciating heartbreak that a parent can experience.” [Decision, May 2025, 17] As a strong Christian, he knows he will see his sons again and spend eternity with them. He is passionate about sharing Christ and has poured his life into prison ministry and programs to help troubled youth discover God’s purpose for their lives.

Gibbs believes that once you’ve given your life to Christ, He empowers you to be a witness for Him. There are people – family, teammates, business partners, friends – around you who are looking at your life. The way you live your life, especially in adversity, can be instrumental in bringing people to Christ and encouraging them to make the decision to follow Him.

Continue with the question about how to have an active faith despite adversity.

Information from this post was gathered from:

Carole Waina wrote these Leader Extras. Carole is a retired teacher and veteran writer for LifeWay. She loves traveling, walking, cycling, reading, and being with family. She and her husband are active at First Baptist in Celina, Texas.

Additional Questions

Icebreaker

When have you experienced an unexpected roadblock or detour?
What’s a sporting event you would describe as a “David and Goliath” contest?
When have you seen an underdog team upsets a highly favored opponent?
When have you won a contest where you were the underdog?
When have you had a day where you felt almost too busy to pray?

1 Samuel 17:3-8

What are some of the ways our fallen world responds to adversity?
How can believers learn to see adversity as an opportunity to display their faith?
What types of adversity are the most difficult for you to respond to by faith?
What’s your first reaction when you’re up against a situation that seems impossible to overcome?
When have you faced a challenge you felt you couldn’t overcome?
Who or what are some giants you’ve faced in your Christian journey?

1 Samuel 17:32-37

What past experiences have equipped you to face current challenges?
What situation from your life has God used to build your faith in His strength and ability to act?
How does God’s faithfulness in the past help you face challenges today?
What strikes you most about David’s speech in this passage?
What are some experiences in your life that have grown your faith?

1 Samuel 17:45-47

How can believers properly distinguish between faith in God and faith in ourselves, especially in the face of adversity?
What do believers know about God that encourages confidence in Him?
How does a divine perspective help us demonstrate faith in the face of adversity?
How can we discern if we are simply angry about random irritations in our lives, or standing for what God means for us to stand for?
How are you encouraged by David’s faith?

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