November 2nd - Small Group Guide

November 2nd - Small Group Guide


SMALL GROUP GUIDE

Thanks Anyway – When It’s Hard to Be Thankful

Series Theme: Finding Gratitude When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned

Main Texts: Job 1:20–22 | Habakkuk 3:17–18 

Supporting Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 — “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1. WELCOME & ICEBREAKER (10 min)

  • Share a simple joy or “small blessing” from this past week.
  • When was the last time you caught yourself saying “thank You, God” for something small or unexpected?

2. OPENING THOUGHT (5 min)

  • “It’s easy to give thanks when things go right … but what about when they’re not?”

Read Habakkuk 3:17–18 aloud. Discuss how that verse contrasts with how most of us approach gratitude.

Illustration:
 When your GPS says “Recalculating,” it doesn’t panic—it just reroutes.
Gratitude is faith saying, “God, I trust You while You recalculate.”

3. SCRIPTURE STUDY (20 min)

Read Job 1:20–22 “Then Job arose, tore his robe, shaved his head, and fell to the ground and worshiped.”

Discuss:

  • What do you notice about Job’s emotional honesty and spiritual response?
  • How does Job’s reaction challenge our usual understanding of gratitude?
  • In your life, where might “defiant gratitude” look like Job’s worship?

Read Habakkuk 3:17–18 “Though the fig tree does not blossom … yet I will rejoice.”

Illustration: A tapestry looks chaotic on the back, but when flipped, a pattern emerges. Gratitude trusts the pattern even while seeing the mess.

Discuss:
  • What are some “knotted threads” you see in your story right now?
  • What helps you remember that God is still weaving something good?
  • How can gratitude help us see God, not just the gaps?

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances…”

Discuss:

  • Why is it significant that Paul says in all circumstances—not for them?
  • What does this verse reveal about the connection between gratitude and trust?
  • Where do you need to say today, “God, You’re still good—even here”?

4. APPLICATION (15 min)

Group Activity:

  • Provide Thanks Anyway cards. Ask everyone to complete this sentence: “Even if ______, I will still ____.”

Key Idea: Gratitude isn’t denial—it’s defiance of despair. It declares: “God is still worthy, even when life isn’t working.”

5. CLOSING REFLECTION & PRAYER (15 min) 

  • Share a time when gratitude changed your outlook before circumstances changed. 
  • What did you learn about God in that season?