April 23 & 26

What is God up to in the middle of suffering?
Jeremiah 17:5-8
Our response in suffering reveals what we’re really rooted in.
Jeremiah 17:5-6
If your spouse is where your roots are planted, suffering will expose it.
Jeremiah 17:7-8
Strong roots develop in proper places with intentionality.
Jeremiah 17:8
The goal isn’t to avoid the heat, but to overcome it.
John 16:33
James 1:2-4
God prunes what He loves.
John 15:2
Romans 5:8
You are responsible for your faithfulness.
You can’t control your spouse’s obedience, but you can control your response.
Jeremiah 17:8
What might the Lord be trying to grow in you?
Suffering in marriage only makes sense when you understand the Gospel.

Read Jeremiah 17:5-8 and John 15:2 together as a group.
“First Move” Awareness - When something goes wrong—especially in your marriage or close relationships—what is typically your first move (withdraw, attack, vent, shut down, go to God)? What does that reveal about what you’re really rooted in?
Misplaced Roots - In what ways have you (or are you tempted to) look to your spouse—or others—to meet needs that only God can meet? How has that affected your relationship?
Recognizing Pruning - Think about a recent moment of tension or suffering. How might God have been trying to prune you in that moment (pride, control, fear, impatience, etc.)?
Responding Differently This Week - The next time “the heat” hits, what would it look like practically for you to pause and ask, “God, what are you up to right now?” What is one specific way you can respond differently this week?