COLLECTIVE LEADERS DISCUSSION GUIDE

Hey leaders thank you so much for opening a space and your heart to people this week. We’re incredibly grateful for the way you create space for honest conversations and real growth. You don’t have to be perfect, you just need to be present. 

Collective Schedule & Flow

Welcome & Connection (5–10 min) · Opening Prayer (1–2 min) · Message Discussion (30–40 min) · Prayer Requests & Prayer (10 min) · Closing & Dismissal

Message: Help Me, I’m In Trouble!

Scripture
John 16:33

Main Idea
Trouble is a part of life, but it does not have the final say. As followers of Jesus, we may go through what everyone else goes through—but we don’t come out the same way. God doesn’t always make exceptions in what we experience, but He makes exceptions in how we come out.

Message Context
Jesus is speaking to His disciples before the cross, preparing them for what’s ahead. He tells them they will face trouble, but also gives them peace and perspective. Peace is not found in avoiding problems, but in understanding that Jesus has already overcome. How you see your situation will determine how you experience peace.

Key Points

  1. Not all trouble is the same
    All trouble falls into three categories: storm, thorn, or cross. If you don’t understand what kind of trouble you’re facing, you may fight the right thing the wrong way. Discernment is key to overcoming.
    Key thought: You can’t overcome what you don’t understand.

  2. Some trouble is a storm
    A storm is a temporary season of inconvenience, often experienced even when you’re being obedient. The disciples were in a storm because they followed Jesus. Storms are meant to test your response, not destroy you.
    Key thought: The storm can’t destroy you, but your response to it can.

  3. Some trouble is a thorn
    A thorn is an ongoing struggle that God allows to remain because it is producing something in you. What the enemy meant to discourage you, God can use to develop you.
    Key thought: God may not remove it, but He will strengthen you through it.

  4. Some trouble is a cross
    A cross is a burden you choose to carry because you are following Jesus. It represents sacrifice, obedience, and surrender. You don’t choose storms or thorns, but you do choose your cross.
    Key thought: What you give to God in sacrifice, He will always return with something greater.

Key Teaching
Sometimes we win by avoiding trouble, but other times we win by overcoming it. Jesus didn’t promise a trouble-free life—He promised victory through Him. Your peace is not based on your circumstances, but on your perspective. If Jesus has overcome, then through Him, so can you.

Discussion Questions
• What kind of “trouble” do you relate to most right now—storm, thorn, or cross?
• Why do you think it’s important to understand the type of trouble you’re facing?
• Have you ever experienced growth through something difficult that God didn’t remove?
• How does knowing Jesus has already overcome change how you view your situation?
• What would it look like for you to respond differently to your current season this week?

Prayer & Closing
Pray for those walking through storms, dealing with thorns, or carrying crosses. Ask God for discernment to understand each situation and strength to respond in the right way. Pray for peace that comes from trusting Jesus, not circumstances. Ask the Holy Spirit to help each person overcome whatever they are facing.