04.29.10
When Group Members Are Backed in a Corner
Oftentimes group members show up for the gathering backed into a corner. There’s a financial situation, an alcoholism or drug addiction situation, an moral breakdown situation (a bad decision of the group member’s own making), a relational situation, a marriage situation, a teenager in full sprint away from God situation, an ADD or autistic child situation. The list of difficult situations could go on… ad nausea. In our crazy world it is undeniable and naïve to think all is well with everyone when your small group meets. Some of your group members are backed in a corner, blinded by the situation they find themselves in. They need sustainable and realistic hope, a hope that promises God is still on their team and that He is going to guide them even though they can’t determine the next step themselves.
When God speaks to exiled Jews reminding them of their coming deliverance He says, “I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.” Isaiah 42:16
Small Group leader and Small Group Pastor, these words from God Himself can be easily memorized and often used to assure individuals that a perfect world doesn’t exist but that God will lead even when we are blinded by our pain, history, or the enemy’s whispers. That, if we will trust Him He will guide our next steps.
I have found that this passage is appropriate and brings comfort and hope to those dealing with almost any issue. Maybe it will help you as you shepherd others.
P.S. Emphasize that last sentence… “These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.”
Good word, Rick. Thanks for sharing.
Great thoughts Rick. I'm noting this passage for use both in small group settings and elsewhere.