Facilitators’ Guide: Small Group

Activity 1: GTKY. Each member must introduce themselves to the group. (Name, age, school,
year, home church, etc.). It’s up to you!
Activity 2: Begin with any praise song and pray.
Activity 3: Theme Talk Reflection
 Let them close their eyes in a few moments.
 Let them reflect and assess themselves about the present condition of their faith.

Finding Faith in Difficult Times

We all face adverse events and situations in life. You might be going through a season of hardships in
your life at this time. As students, this could be problems at school, failure of grades, finances, sickness,
loss of a loved one, relationships, or even at home or church. But whatever the challenge is, you can
have the determination to see things through as you find your strength in God.

Ask them with these following questions:

1. As a student, young teen/young people, what is faith for you and how does it help you in your
spiritual growth?

(Guiding Verse)” Faith is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is
the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead"
(Hebrews 11: 1).

After they share their thoughts, explain this to them and relate it to what they have shared.

 Express the confidence of faith by boldly declaring specific promises related to your
situation. As you do, you will find that you have a peace and quiet rest that God is at work in
the situation, even though you might not see any outward change yet. Remain to be faithful.

2. What steps will you take to continue to stand in faith despite of the problems such as violence,
anxieties, depressions, rejections, and other life’s aspect issues?

Say this to your small group: “Sometimes we doubt our faith. Sometimes just finding five minutes for
God seems like just another chore. God knows that sometimes Christians struggle in their faith.
Sometimes devotions do not really seem like devotion but work. Sometimes Christians wonder if God is
even there.”.

Here are some ways to keep your faith strong even when you feel a bit weak.

1. Remember that God is Always There

Even in the driest times, when you just don’t feel God’s presence, you need to remember that God is
always there. He does not forget you. True faith is developed even when you don’t feel God.
Deuteronomy 31:6 - “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the
LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

2. Do a Daily Devotional

Developing long-term habits is important to maintaining your faith. A daily devotional will keep you in
the Word and enhance your prayer life. It will also keep you closer to God even when you struggle in
your faith.

Philippians 2:12-13 – “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence,
but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it
is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.”

3. Get Involved

Many people become apathetic over time because they do not feel connected to a church body. Some
churches do not offer ways to connect. Yet, there are a lot of activities on campuses and in the
community. You can even look into other ministries. The more connected you are to the body of Christ,
the more likely it is that you will maintain your faith.

Romans 12:5 – “so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the
others.”

4. Talk to Someone

If you feel separated from God or you find yourself backsliding, talk to someone. Try your youth leader,
a pastor, or even your parents. Talk through your issues and pray with them about your struggle. They
can offer insight into how they have worked through their own struggles. You can learn from their life’s
testimony.

Colossians 3:16 – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another
with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to
God”