Burning Bright and Burning Out

Read Acts 18:1-17 as a group.

Describe a moment in your life when you experienced discouragement or burnout?

Think back on Paul’s missionary journeys. What stressors, disappointments, setbacks, and sufferings can you identify? Did he have reason to feel worn out, discouraged, or afraid?

What four ways did God care for Paul in Acts 18:1-17?

It can be difficult to identify the ways that God is encouraging us in the midst of discouragement. Looking back, can you identify ways that God cared for you in the midst of a difficult time? Explain.

Is it possible to miss out on the encouragement that God provides for us? If so, then how?

If we are not looking for God’s provision in the midst of difficulty, what does that tell us about our understanding of him (e.g. his ability, his care for his people, his faithfulness, etc.)?

What encouragement can you give to fellow believers who are feeling burnt out or discouraged?

Pray for each other and other believers who are experiencing difficulty?

Read Acts 18:18-19:7 for next week.